A finite element formulation for elastoplasticity based on a three-field variational equation (Q1075108)

A three-field variational equation, which expresses the momentum balance equation, the plastic consistency condition, and the dilatational constitutive equation in a weak form, is proposed as a basis for finite element computations in hardening elastoplasticity. The finite element formulation includes algorithms for the integration of the elastoplastic rate constitutive equations which are similar to members of the ''return mapping'' family of algorithms employed in displacement formulations, except that the proposed algorithms are not required to explicitly satisfy the plastic consistency condition at the end of each time step. This condition is imposed globally by the inclusion of a variational equation that suitably constrains the solution. The plastic incompressibility constraint is also treated in an appropriate variational sense. Solution of the nonlinear finite element equations is obtained by use of Newton's method and details of the linearization of the variational equation are given. The formulation is developed for an associative von Mises plasticity model with general nonlinear isotropic and kinematic strain hardening. A number of numerical test examples is provided.