On the relation between the principle of maximum dissipation and inelastic evolution given by dissipation potentials

Abstract

We study the evolution of systems described by internal variables. After the introduction of thermodynamic forces and fluxes, both the dissipation and dissipation potential are defined. Then, the principle of maximum dissipation (PMD) and a minimum principle for the dissipation potential are developed in a variational formulation. Both principles are related to each other. Several cases are shown where both principles lead to the same evolution equations for the internal variables. However, also counterexamples are reported where such an equivalence is not valid. In this case, an extended PMD can be formulated.