AEM Mechanics Research SeminarTuesday 17-Mar-2026, 12:20pm Central
Mr. Yogesh ChandrashekarDepartment of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, University of Minnesota
Title: On Tension–Compression Failure Asymmetry in Soft Solids: A Logarithmic-Strain-Invariant Approach Abstract: Soft materials often exhibit pronounced tension–compression asymmetry (TCA) in their
softening and failure behaviour, a feature of central importance in
biomedical applications where accurate modelling of tissue deformation,
softening, and rupture is essential. Yet conventional hyperelastic and
continuum-damage formulations fail to capture this behaviour within a
unified framework. In this talk, I will present a hyperelastic softening
model formulated in terms of logarithmic-strain invariants,
specifically the Lode invariants, to explicitly incorporate
deformation-mode dependence through a bi-failure construction with
distinct tensile and compressive energy limiters. The proposed model
extends Volokh’s classical energy-limiting approach by embedding a
Lode-angle-dependent weighting function that enables a smooth and
thermodynamically consistent transition in softening behaviour across
distortion modes, achieved directly within the constitutive description
of the bulk response—without introducing internal damage variables.
Finally, I will highlight key capabilities of the framework, validated
using agarose hydrogels as a model material, including its robust
cross-mode and cross-concentration generalizability. By establishing a
physically interpretable constitutive framework in the Lode-invariant
space, this work provides a unified basis for distortion-mode-sensitive,
three-dimensional failure mapping of soft materials.For more information, visit the AEM Mechanics Research Seminar website: