A stability analysis of the uniaxial viscoplasticity theory based on overstress

In the development of a viscoplasticity theory without a yield surface and without a loading and unloading condition, the properties of a uniaxial constitutive model consisting of two coupled nonlinear differential equations are examined. The critical points of the system of differential equations are evaluated for monotonic loading, creep and relaxation conditions and are shown to be stable. The conditions necessary for the elimination of stable but oscillatory solutions are given. Also given are the asymptotic solutions valid near the critical points. The analytical predictions are confirmed by numerical results.