A unified non-linear energy dissipation-based plastic-damage model for cyclic loading

A new energy-dissipation-based rate-independent constitutive law within the framework of elastoplasticity coupled with damage is proposed. With this methodology, inelastic strains and stiffness degradation exhibited by quasi-brittle materials under monotonic or cyclic loading conditions are taken into account. The proposed model able to capture micro-cracks closure-reopening effects due load reversal. wide variety hardening/softening laws on stress–strain relationship described considered for novel normalized plastic-damage energy dissipation internal variable. This variable allows be independent sign dissipate different fracture energies (tensile, compressive potentially shear) in a natural way. Several numerical examples presented order ensure efficiency validity simulating non-linear behaviour loading. Some aspects implemented algorithm return mapping procedure also detail discussed.