Characteristics of solutions in softening plasticity and path criterion

Characteristics of solutions of softening plasticity are discussed in this article. The localized and non-localized solutions are obtained for a three-bar truss and their stability is evaluated with the aid of the second-order work. Beyond the bifurcation point, the single stable loading path splits into several post-bifurcation paths and the second-order work exhibits several competing minima. Among the multiple post-bifurcation equilibrium states, the localized solutions correspond to the minimum points of the second-order work, while the non-localized solutions correspond to the saddles and local maximum points. To determine the real post-bifurcation path, it is proposed that the structure should follow the path corresponding to the absolute minimum point of the second-order work. The proposal is further proved equivalent to Bazant\'s path criterion derived on a thermodynamics basis.