The Mechanics of Constitutive Modeling

Constitutive modeling is the most intensive research field within solid mechanics. This work offers a comprehensive, parallel treatment of constitutive models and appropriate numerical solution strategies, at a conceptual level and with discussion of specific models for illustration. The exposion of each topic is self-contained and complete with extensive references for further reading.

The generality of approach will make this work of interest to postgraduates and researchers with background in mechanics, civil engineering, or materials engineering.

Topics include:
Elasticity, plasticity theory, creep theory, the nonlinear finite element method, solution of nonlinear equilibrium equations, integration of elastoplastic constitutive equations, the thermodynamic framework for constitutive modeling, thermoplasticity, uniqueness and discontinuous bifurcations.