On the discrete constitutive models induced by strong discontinuity kinematics and continuum constitutive equations

On the basis of continuum constitutive models (stress vs. strain), the introduction of strong discontinuity kinematics (considering jumps in the displacement fields across a discontinuity interface) induces projected discrete constitutive models (traction-displacement jumps) in a consistent manner. Therefore, this projection provides possible links between the classical continuum strain-localization analysis and the non-linear (decohesive) fracture mechanics techniques. The strong discontinuity analysis shows that (bandwidth based) regularization of the hardening/softening parameter is the crucial modification to be done on the continuum model to achieve such a projection, and it also provides the strong discontinuity conditions that set restrictions on the stress state compatible with bifurcations in a strong discontinuity format. The methodology is illustrated on the basis of two classical families of non-linear constitutive models (scalar continuum damage and elasto-plasticity) for which the corresponding discrete constitutive models and the strong discontinuity conditions are derived.