A model of isotropic ductile plastic damage based on a continuum damage variable, on the effective stress concept and on thermodynamics is derived. The damage is linear with equivalent strain and shows a large influence of triaxiality by means of a damage equivalent stress. Identification for several metals is made by means of elasticity modulus change induced by damage. A comparison with the McClintock and Rice-Tracey models and with some experiments is presented for the influence of triaxiality on the strain to rupture.