Linearized plasticity is the evolutionary Γ-limit of finite plasticity

Abstract

We provide a rigorous justification of the classical linearization approach in plasticity. By taking the small-deformations limit, we prove via Γ-convergence for rate-independent processes that energetic solutions of the quasi-static finite-strain elastoplasticity system converge to the unique strong solution of linearized elastoplasticity.

To appear on J. Eur. Math. Soc. (JEMS)