Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
768030 Engineering Fracture Mechanics 2007 17 Pages PDF
Abstract

The concept of the representative volume element (RVE) is analysed in the present paper. For elastic materials the RVE exists and one can determine the size of the RVE. However, for other applications, such as the case of softening materials, the RVE may not exist. In the present work the RVE has been investigated for different stages of the material response, including pre- and post-peak loading regimes. Results were based on a statistical analysis of numerical experiments, where tests have been performed on a random heterogeneous material.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Engineering Mechanical Engineering
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