A Nonlinear Elastic Model for Compressible Aluminum Alloys with Finite Element Implementation

In this paper, a three-dimensional model of nonlinear elastic material is proposed. The model is formulated in the framework of Green elasticity, which is based on the specific elastic energy potential. Equivalently, this model can be associated to the deformation theory of plasticity. The constitutive relationship, derived from the assumed specific energy, divides the material’s behavior into two stages: the first one starts with an initial almost linear stress–strain relation which, for higher strain, smoothly turns into the second stage of hardening. The proposed relation mimics the experimentally observed response of ductile metals, aluminum alloys in particular. In contrast to the classic deformation theory of plasticity or the plastic flow theory, the presented model can describe metal compressibility in both stages of behavior. The constitutive relationship is non-reversible expressing stress as a function of strain. Special attention is given to the calibration process, in which a one-dimensional analog of the three-dimensional model is used. Various options of calibration based on uniaxial stress test are extensively discussed. A finite element code is written and verified in order to validate the model. Solutions of selected problems, obtained via ABAQUS, confirm the correctness of the model and its usefulness in numerical simulations, especially for buckling.