A limit analysis approach in the context of nonlocal materials

The paper proposes a limit analysis approach for the evaluation of a lower bound to the collapse load multiplier of structural elements made of metal matrix nanocomposites. Taking into account both the microstructure and the ductile behavior of such materials, a nonlocalelastic perfectly-plastic constitutive model is assumed for their description. In particular, for the elastic phase an enhanced version of the Eringen nonlocal integral model is adopted, while the plastic phase is modeled by means of a von Mises type flow rule.