Analysis of Material Nonlinear Problems Using Pseudo-Elastic Finite Element Method

Abstract

A method based on linear elastic finite element analysis is presented for stress field determination of elasto-plastic problems. Hencky’s total deformation theory is used to define effective material parameters, which are treated as spatial field variables and considered to be functions of final state of equilibrium stress and material properties. These effective material parameters are obtained in an iterative manner using strain-controlled projection method, arc-length method, and Neuber rule applied on experimental uniaxial tension test curve. Three problems of von Mises material are considered to illustrate the application of the proposed method: a thick-walled cylinder subjected to internal pressure characterized by general work-hardening behavior, a V-notch specimen subjected to remote tensile load having elastic-perfectly plastic behavior, and a rotating disk with material having elastic linear work-hardening behavior. Obtained results for all the cases are compared with standard nonlinear finite element results and are found to be in good agreement. [S0094-9930(00)00104-9]