Abstract
The paper presents an outline of a theory of micro-inhomogeneity of stresses and strains resulting from the micro-structural properties of engineering materials. The problem is approached from a statistical point of view and it is experimentally shown that the degree of micro-inhomogeneity can be defined by normal distribution functions. Using the experimental results a general concept is postulated which takes into account the physical reality as completely as is practicable. It is shown that the suggested approach can be used to take into account the micro-plastic strains which exist while the material is nominally within the elastic limit.

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