2.1.5 Metals

Metal structures can be modeled with a broad range of element types which are available in DIANA [Vol. Element Library]. Generally speaking, the constitutive behavior of metals is governed by yielding and subsequent isotropic hardening. Kinematic hardening can be modeled with the fraction model [§5.1.7]. Especially the plasticity models of Tresca and Von Mises are applicable for metals.

For thin metal sheets, the orthotropic plasticity model of Hill is available. However, this plasticity model is only implemented for ideal plastic behavior. The ambient influence, for instance from temperature, can be taken into account for metals. The long-term behavior of metals can be described with a creep model. The structural effect of large displacements can be modeled by the GEOMET analysis command option [Vol. Analysis Procedures].