Preface

For a good description of physical phenomena proper constitutive equations, describing the material behaviour, are essential. Although many constitutive equations are used since long, they need continuous adaptation and extension due to both the use of new materials and the more extreme situations of their use. Experimental techniques to determine material parameters need to be more and more sophisticated.

The course Strength and Structure focuses on the two most relevant aspects on when and how a material fails. Starting from the basics, kinematics and balance laws, 3D macroscopic hyperelastic material models are discussed. Subsequently, implementation on how plastic deformation is implemented in 3D macroscopic material models is explained. The second aspect concerns the multi-scale modelling of materials, aiming at the coupling of macroscopic behaviour to processes that occur in the microstructure. You will realize that understanding and quantifying these underlying processes explains where, when and how a material, on the macroscopic level, fails plastically.

In spite of our efforts some errors remain. The authors would highly appreciate to be informed on any error found.

Lambèrt van Breemen and Markus Hütter