A covariant formulation for finite strain modelling of orthotropic elasticity and orthotropic plasticity with plasticity-induced evolution of orthotropy: Application to natural fibres

We introduce a rate-independent model for orthotropic elastic and orthotropic plastic material behaviour in a hyper-elasto-plastic framework at finite strains. The model is based on the postulate of covariance and does not rely on a multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient. Furthermore, a plastic-deformation-induced evolution of orthotropy is considered, similar to the notion of plastic spin. We propose that the orthotropic strain energy function and the orthotropic yield criterion are guided by identical structural tensors that evolve with plasticity. The modelled material behaviour is significant for natural fibres such as flax, hemp, or pulp fibres. Our formulation has three findings. Firstly, the covariant formulation of plasticity provides rate equations for the plastic variables and the structural tensors suitable for reproducing stress–strain diagrams of natural fibres. Secondly, the introduction of plastic-deformation-induced evolution of orthotropy in the proposed covariant setting results in a non-associative plasticity algorithm. Thirdly, the covariant setting allows the incorporation of suitable constitutive equations for the structural tensors to evolve orthotropy. The latter successfully models the stiffness increase in stress–strain diagrams of cyclic tensile tests of natural fibres.