A Homogenization Model for Viscoplastic Porous Media Based on In nite-Rank Laminates

Abstract

Theoretical predictions are given for the mechanical behavior of two-dimensional porous media comprised of a power-law viscoplastic or ideally plastic matrix containing a random distribution of porosity and subjected to large deformations. The predictions follow from a homogenization-based constitutive theory for two-phase nonlinear composites recently proposed by the author (M.I. Idiart, J. Mech. Phys. Solids 56:2599-2617, 2008). In view of the preliminary results given in this work, it is conjectured that the new estimates provide more reliable predictions for viscoplastic porous media than standard Gurson-type models.