A family of basic rate-independent strain gradient plasticity theories is considered that generalize
conventional
deformation and flow theories of plasticity to include a dependence on strain
gradients in a simple way. The theory builds on three recent developments: the work
of Gudmundson (J. Mech. Phys. Solids 52 (2004), 1379–1406) and Gurtin and
Anand (J. Mech. Phys. Solids 57 (2009), 405–421), proposing constitutive relations
for flow theories consistent with requirements of positive plastic dissipation; the work
of Fleck and Willis (J. Mech. Phys. Solids 57 (2009), 161–177 and
1045–1057), who
clarified the structure of the new flow theories and presented the underlying
variational formulation; and observations of Evans and Hutchinson (Acta Mater.57
(2009), 1675–1688) related to preferences for specific functional compositions of
strains and strain gradients. The starting point in this paper is the deformation
theory formulation of Fleck and Hutchinson (J. Mech. Phys. Solids 49 (2001),
2245–2271) which provides the clearest insights into the role of strain gradients and
serves as a template for the flow (incremental) theory. The flow theory is
constructed such that it coincides with the deformation theory under proportional
straining, analogous to the corresponding coincidence in the conventional
theories. The generality of proportional straining is demonstrated for pure power-law
materials, and the utility of power-law solutions is illustrated for the constrained
deformation of thin films: the compression or extension of a finite layer joining rigid
platens. Full elastic-plastic solutions are obtained for the same problem based on a
finite element method devised for the new class of flow theories. Potential difficulties
and open issues associated with the new class of flow theories are identified and
discussed.
This paper is dedicated to Charles and
Marie-Louise Steele for their exceptional contributions to
publication in the field of solids and structures, and,
particularly, for founding this journal.