Choice of Constitutive Model

All zones and contacts in a model must be assigned a constitutive model. In turn, the properties of the model(s) that have been assigned must be set. These two steps make up the work involved in characterizing the material that makes up the model, and there are a number of considerations to be taken into account. This section examines the constitutive model selection and assignment process. The next, Material Properties, covers the subject of property assignment.

• Zones
  • Overview of Constitutive Models
  • Selection of an Appropriate Model
  • The Effect of Water
  • Ways to Implement Constitutive Models
• Joints
  • Selection of an Appropriate Model