A plasticity theory for porous solids

Abstract A plasticity theory is developed for a solid weakened by numerous cracks or voids. The treatment is completely isotropic and would be suitable whenever the voids are nearly spherical or where the direction of cracks is completely random. Using simple models an explicit representation for a second-order yield surface parameterized by the void fraction is presented. The resulting constitutive law is shown to be of the hypoelastic type and simple examples are treated. An approximate expression for a deformation theory is also discussed.