Micromechanical motivation and numerical implementation of plasticity in generalised continuum models

Research area: Infrastructure & the Environment

The classical modelling framework of continuum mechanics gives great flexibility in the formulation of specific constitutive models describing a wide variety of material behaviours. Some general properties shared by all classical continua, however, render them unable to model specific phenomena, such as size effect or strain localisation. To model such phenomena, it is necessary to relax some restrictions of the classical continuum, thus obtaining generalised continua.

This PhD project focuses on computational modelling of plastic behaviour of materials within the framework of generalised continuum mechanics. A detailed study of the micromechanical motivation underlying such models will help clarify the relation between the discrete and the continuum behaviour at the level of the material microstructure. This will enable the development of realistic and robust, but also computationally efficient, numerical implementations which in turn will allow modelling practical engineering problems involving plastic behaviour and localisation of deformation, e.g. failure of geomaterials or elastoplastic indentation.

Please apply by clicking the "Apply Online" button below.
Select the Research Area: "Infrastructure & the Environment" and clearly state on your application form which project you are applying for and the relevant supervisor.

Initial informal enquiries may be made to Dr Stefanos Papanicolopulos:
[Email Address Removed]