A generalisation of J2-flow theory for polar continua

A pressure-dependent J2-flow theory is proposed for use within the framework of the Cosserat continuum. To this end the definition of the second invariant of the deviatoric stresses is generalised to include couple-stresses, and the strain-hardening hypothesis of plasticity is extended to take account of micro-curvatures. The temporal integration of the resulting set of differential equations is achieved using an implicit Euler backward scheme. This return-mapping algorithm results in an exact satisfaction of the yield condition at the end of the loading step. Moreover, the integration scheme is amenable to exact linearisation, so that a quadratic rate of convergence is obtained when Newton's method is used. An important characteristic of the model is the incorporation of an internal length scale. In finite element simulations of localisation, this property warrants convergence of the load-deflection curve to a physically realistic solution upon mesh refinement and to a finite width of the localisation zone. This is demonstrated for an infinitely long shear layer and for a biaxial specimen composed of a strain-softening Drucker-Prager material.