Basic concepts and models in continuum damage mechanics

International audience; In this paper, we present some basic elements of macroscopic modelling of damage. We then recall the general approach of continuum damage based on the thermodynamics of irreversible processes and its application to isotropic damage modelling. The study of damage induced anisotropy is treated by considering a second order tensorial damage variable. Finally, we present an original macroscopic approach through which is addressed the question of unilateral effects due to the microcracks closure.