An average theory for the dynamic behaviour of a laminated elastic-viscoplastic medium under general loading

An average theory which models the dynamic behaviour of a bi-laminated composite medium made of elastic-viscoplastic work hardening constituents is presented. The resulting effective theory is represented by a system of nonlinear differential equations for the average stresses, displacements and the plastic work. The theory can be applied to three-dimensional problems under general types of loading. The theory is applied for the special cases of waves propagating normal to the layering and for waves propagating in a thin composite rod.