The modeling of mechanical properties of materials and structures is a complex and wide-ranging subject. In some applications, it is sufficient to assume that the material remains elastic, i.e. that the deformation process is fully reversible and the stress is a unique function of strain. However, such a simplified assumption is appropriate only within a limited range, and in general must be replaced by a more realistic approach that takes into account the inelastic processes such as plastic yielding or cracking.

This book presents a comprehensive treatment of the most important areas of plasticity and of time-dependent inelastic behavior (viscoplasticity of metals, and creep and shrinkage of concrete). It covers structural aspects such as:
* incremental analysis

* limit analysis

* shakedown analysis

* optimal design

* beam structures subjected to bending and torsion

* yield line theory of plates

* slip line theory

* size effect in structures

* creep and shrinkage effects in concrete structures.
The following aspects of the advanced material modeling are presented:
* yield surfaces for metals and plastic-frictional materials

* hardening and softening

* stress-return algorithms

* large-strain formulations

* thermodynamic framework

* microplane models

* localization of plastic strain.
Inelastic Analysis of Structures is a textbook for basic and advanced courses on plasticity, with a slight emphasis on structural engineering applications, but with a wealth of material for geotechnical, mechanical, aerospace, naval, petroleum and nuclear engineers. The text is constructed in a very didactical way, while the mathematics has been kept rigorous.

Hat ein Werkstoff seine Elastizitatsgrenze erreicht, so verhalt er sich inelastisch. Ingenieure und Designer mussen wissen, mit welchen Eigenschaften dann zu rechnen ist. Dieser Band vermittelt Ihnen den aktuellen Wissensstand auf dem Gebiet des plastischen Verhaltens und der plastischen Zug-Spannungs-Beziehungen. Behandelt werden in erster Linie Baustoffe, vor allem Stahl, aber auch Beton und Boden. Eine ausgewogene Mischung aus qualitativer Diskussion und mathematischer Theorie! (05/00)