A self-consistent analysis for coupled elastoplastic damage problems

Based on irreversible thermodynamics and internal state variable theory, th e volume-average Clausius-Duhem inequality is presented. In contrast to for mer investigations on damage-elastoplasticity, our evaluations are founded on the volume-averaged field equations of the analyzed elements and the sel f-consistent method. Hence, our results not only include the influence of v oid shapes but also consider the interaction among voids. Further, previous work about coupled elastoplastic damage problems only takes into account s mall initial void volume fractions. Our work, however, will be able to deal with elastoplastic damage problems with larger initial void volume fractio ns.