One-Dimensional Ductile-Brittle Transition, Yielding, and Structured Deformations

Abstract

The alternative between two types of rupture, one due to a gradual loss (ductile fracture or strain-softening), and one due to a sudden drop (brittle fracture or catastrophic failure), of the bearing capacity of the body, has received large attention in recent literature. Several one-dimensional models have been studied, mainly consisting of bars divided into two pieces with different physical properties. It is the competition between these different properties which gives rise to stress-strain curves exhibiting one or the other type of failure.