Numerical simulation of plastic-flow localization for simple shear

An algorithm was developed to numerically simulate plastic-flow localization for simple shear of a thermally plastic and viscoplastic material. The algorithm is based on solving the partial differential equations describing continuum flow. The closing equation is the constitutive relation known in the literature as the power law linking the plastic-strain rate to the flow stress, temperature, and accumulated plastic strain. Calculated relations for the time evolution of the shear-band width and the temperature and plastic strains localized in it agree satisfactorily with experimental relations. Good agreement with experimental results is also obtained for the sample temperature distribution at the developed stage of the localization process.