LS-DYNA Theory Manual Material Models

Material Model 18: Power Law Isotropic Plasticity

Elastoplastic behavior with isotropic hardening is provided by this model. The yield
stress, σ y , is a function of plastic strain and obeys the equation:

σ y = k ε n = k ( ε yp + ε p )
n
(19.18.1)

where ε yp is the elastic strain to yield and ε p is the effective plastic strain (logarithmic).
A parameter, SIGY, in the input governs how the strain to yield is identified. If SIGY is
set to zero, the strain to yield if found by solving for the intersection of the linearly elastic
loading equation with the strain hardening equation:

σ =Eε
(19.18.2)
σ = k εn

which gives the elastic strain at yield as:

ª 1 º
§ E · «¬ n −1»¼
ε yp =¨ ¸ (19.18.3)
©k¹

If SIGY yield is nonzero and greater than 0.02 then:

ª1º
§ σ · «¬ n »¼
ε yp =¨ y ¸ (19.18.4)
© k ¹

Strain rate is accounted for using the Cowper-Symonds model which scales the yield stress with
the factor
1

§ ε ·
P

1+ ¨ ¸ (19.18.5)
©C ¹

where ε is the strain rate. A fully viscoplastic formulation is optional with this model which
incorporates the Cowper-Symonds formulation within the yield surface. An additional cost is
incurred but the improvement allows for dramatic results.

Material Model 19: Strain Rate Dependent Isotropic Plasticity

In this model, a load curve is used to describe the yield strength σ 0 as a function of
effective strain rate ε where

1
2
§2 ·
ε = ¨ εij′ εij′ ¸ (19.19.1)
©3 ¹

19.39