A variational multi-phase model for elastoplastic materials with microstructure evolution

A general model is formulated for elasto-plastic materials undergoing linear kinematic hardening to describe microstructure evolution associated with phase transformations. Using infinitesimal strain theory, the model is based on variational principles for inelastic materials. In our work we combine the so-called dissipation distance, which describes an immediate phase transition in time via an underlying probability matrix. In addition, the volume fractions of the newly emerging phases are represented by Young measures to obtain a time continuous microstructure evolution. The model is verified employing a two-dimensional benchmark test implemented by the Finite Element Method (FEM).