Use of mixture theory to represent a cohesive elastic-viscoplastic material

Abstract

The analysis of material properties depends upon detailed information of the physical, geometric, and chemical properties of the materials. Relating these properties to a set of mathematical models is the principle objective of mechanics. Mixtures of materials made up of several constituents require special consideration since the constituent behavior must be reconciled with the overall behavior of the mixture. Mathematical models and their validity must be established to represent these materials. This thesis establishes a methodology whereby a logical sequence of considerations may be followed to represent complex mixtures adequately. Several existing theories of mechanics are assimilated into a cohesive theory to demonstrate the validity of the mathematical model used to represent mixtures. A structured development of the second law of thermodynamics is constructed to allow additional constraint equations which will restrict the form of new parameters. An example of a wood-snow mixture is used to show how the analysis is to be completed. Laboratory tests were run to use as a means of constructing the values of the new constitutive parameters. Proposed ways of including more constituents and spatial dimensions suggested.