A Definition of Stable Inelastic Material

Abstract

Abstract The definitions given previously for work-hardening and perfect plasticity are broadened to cover viscous effects. As before, the system considered is isothermal and includes both the body and the time-dependent set of forces acting upon it. An external agency is supposed to apply an additional set of forces to the already loaded body. It is now postulated that the work done by the external agency on the additional displacements it produces is positive. Some of the restrictions thus imposed on permissible stress-strain relations are explored. Especial attention is paid to simple laws of creep. Uniqueness of solution also is studied.