Tremendous advances in computer technologies and methods have precipitated a great demand for refinements in the constitutive models of plasticity. Such refinements include the development of a model that would account for material anisotropy and produces results that compare well with experimental data. Key to developing such models-and to meeting many other challenges in the field- is a firm grasp of the principles of continuum mechanics and how they apply to the formulation of plasticity theory. Also critical is understanding the experimental aspects of plasticity and material anisotropy.

Integrating the traditionally separate subjects of continuum mechanics and plasticity, this book builds understanding in all of those areas. Part I provides systematic, comprehensive coverage of continuum mechanics, from a review of Carteisian tensors to the relevant conservation laws and constitutive equation. Part II offers an exhaustive presentation of the continuum theory of plasticity. This includes a unique treatment of the experimental aspects of plasticity, covers anisotropic plasticity, and incorporates recent research results related to the endochronic theory of plasticity obtained by the author and his colleagues.

By bringing all of these together in one book, Continuum Mechanics and Plasticity facilitates the learning of solid mechanics. Its readers will be well prepared for pursuing either research related to the mechanical behavior of engineering materials or developmental work in engineering analysis and design.