Creep due to the humidity variations in a polymeric bidimensional homogeneous beam

Creep due to the humidity variations within a polymeric body is presented [1]. The creep effects are caused by the combined effects of the moisture extent in the body and the external static load. A hemi variational approach is considered for describing this phenomenon [2]. We model a bidimensional homogeneous beam under a tensile and bending condition. The diffusion of the fluid is linked to the damage by means a suitable coupling term in the energy formulation. Cycles of assorbtion and desorption are considered in order to show the behavior of the bidemensional beam. Parametric analyses are carried out in terms of diffusivity and concentration-damage coupling term for clarifying the meanings of those parameters. Parametric analyzes can allow the design of new materials (metamaterials) to be used in various fields including that of bioengineering. New materials which, having a longer life, would allow, for example, the design of more durable orthopedic prostheses.