Mathematics

The mathematical theory of plasticity describes the behavior of elastoplastic materials, such as metals, in response to external loadings. We have a plastic behavior in the presence of permanent deformations, while the elastic regime is characterized by reversible deformations.Beside plasticity, the other irreversible behavior showed by materials is the damage, that reduces the stiffness of the elastoplastic response.In this talk, I will recall the variational formulation of perfect plasticity, and then introduce the coupling between plasticity and damage, which is the subject of my research.