Applications of endochronic plasticity in the dynamic finite element analysis of structures

A fundamental feature of the endochronic theory of plasticity is that it does not require the definition of a yield surface. Thus, when compared with classical methods for the analysis of dynamic, elastic-plastic response problems, one would expect the theory to possess a significant advantage in terms of overall computational efficiency. This paper describes an attempt to evaluate this potential advantage in terms of a finite element implementation. Described is the finite element formulation, validation of results by comparison with experimental studies on the explosive loading of plates, numerical simulation of high velocity impact problems, and an evaluation of certain uniqueness and numerical stability questions. (orig.)