Modeling of Strain Localization for the Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman Plasticity Model Using Strong Discontinuity Modes

Abstract

The Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman material model is frequently used to model ductile failure. At the inception of ductile fracture, the modeling of the strain localization phenomenon requires the use of different scales for the description of the continuum and the localized subdomains, thus inducing mesh dependent results when finite elements are used. In this work the necessary and sufficient localization conditions are explored for the GursonTvergaard-Needleman material and the outcome is inserted into a mesh indifferent formulation with the use of embedded strong discontinuity modes. An heuristic rule to set a proper interscales connection between the localized and the continuum scales is introduced. The new formulation does not require a specific mesh refinement to model strain localization and provides mesh independent results.