Analysis of localization in a structure based on the thermodynamics of irreversible process

Abstract

This paper presents a method for analysis of strain localization problems which is supported by the thermodynamics of irreversible processes. Stability and bifurcation criteria and a generalized localization analysis method are discussed at the level of structural mechanics. A one dimensional cracking model is examined as a simple example of cracking localization phenomena to show the framework of our method. The method is applied to a practical example of cracking localization in a concrete beam during a bending test. From the results, the importance of the method presented in this paper for a quasi-static strain localization phenomenon in a structure is clarified.