A One-Dimensional Theory of Solute Diffusion and Degradation in Elastic Solids

A theoretical framework for the description of the interaction between diffusion, mechanics, and degradation in elastic solids is developed. To avoid complications that obscure the essential features of these interactions, we work within a one-dimensional setting. A particular specialization of the general theory is selected and a numerical implementation based on the finite-element method, a backward Euler time-stepping scheming, and an operator-splitting algorithm is described. An application involving the time-independent end-loading of a notched cylindrical bar is used to illustrate the ability of the theory to describe some essential features of solute-assisted degradation.