Description of deterioration processes: damage parameter of Y. N. Rabotnov: historical remarks, fundamental results and contemporary state

In the paper the detailed review of the present-day results related to problems of continuum damage mechanics is given. The survey shows the development of ideas of Y. N. Rabotnov who together with L. M. Kachanov introduced damage and continuity variables which characterize the damage state. In the paper the recent studies in the elasticity, plasticity and creep theories accounting for damage accumulation processes are discussed.