eigenstrain
Eigenstrain is a concept used in mechanics and materials science to describe the inelastic deformation of a material that occurs independent of external stress. It represents a self-equilibrated strain within a body. This means that if the body were isolated, the eigenstrain would exist without any applied forces or tractions on its boundaries. The term "eigen" originates from the German word for "own" or "characteristic," highlighting that this strain is an intrinsic property or characteristic of the material or its internal state.
Eigenstrain can arise from various sources, including phase transformations, plastic deformation, thermal expansion, swelling due to
The significance of eigenstrain lies in its ability to induce internal stresses even in the absence of