Modelling Isotropic and Kinematic Hardening of Granular Materials with a Thermodynamical Approach

The thermodynamic framework for continuum mechanics can be applied to model granular and porous materials. Broadly speaking, there exists two approaches: the French school approach and Ziegler's approach. Despite the fact that they both have the same foundations, differences between them emerge regarding the way in which stored energy is accounted for. This is illustrated here by applying the two approaches to the classical Von Mises kinematic and isotropic hardening models. In Ziegler's approach, the stored energy is solely used for the kinematic hardening, as opposed to the French school approach in which the stored energy is allowed in both cases of hardening. In spite of which modelling approach is taken, we will show how certain modifications to these theories have to be made in order to develop the classical modified Cam Clay model, which emphasises the difference between the classical and the thermodynamic formulations.