Nonlinear finite element analysis based on a large strain deformation theory of plasticity

The present paper is concerned with an efficient framework for a nonlinear finite element procedure for the numerical analysis of finite deformation elastic-plastic problems, based on a deformation theory of plasticity. Stress measures are related to Green's strains via a hyperelastic constitutive law based on a free energy potential function, whereas the plastic behavior is described using a von Mises yield condition and Nadai's deformation rule. The plastic strains and the current material properties are determined directly by a local Newton iteration procedure, and, furthermore, the development of a consistent elastic-plastic tangent operator will also be discussed. Finally, the solution of finite strain elastic-plastic boundary value problems is presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the algorithm. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.