The evolution of probability functions in an inelasticly deforming two-phase medium

A formulation is introduced here for the evolution of correlation functions in an inelastically deforming two phase medium. Probability functions play a major role in describing the statistical distribution of different phase s in a heterogeneous medium in the development of statistical continuum the ory. Proper formulation of statistical continuum model for inelastic deform ation requires better understanding of the evolution of the corresponding p robability functions. A two point probability function representation Is us ed to approximate the statistical correlation functions. The evolution of t hese functions requires the information from higher order probability funct ions, in this case, a three point probability function. A decomposition of this three point probability function is required for the simulation of the statistical model. The results were compared with experimental data. (C) 1 999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.