Isogeometric approach to Strain Gradient Plasticity theories

Structural materials display strong size dependence when deformed non uniformly into the in-elastic range: smaller is stronger. This effect has important implications for an increasing number of applications in structural failure. The mechanical behavior of these applications cannot be characterized by classical continuum theories because they incorporate no material length scales and consequently predict no size effects. On the other hand, it is still not possible to perform quantum and atomistic simulations in order to be able to design the size dependent structures of modern technology Non local rate dependent and gradient dependent theories of plasticity and damage are developed in this work for this purpose