Upper bound limit analysis using discontinuous velocity fields (Q2564590)

A new method for computing rigorous upper bounds under plane strain conditions is described. It is based on a linear three-noded triangular element, which has six unknown nodal velocities and a fixed number of unknown plastic multiplier rates, and uses the kinematic theorem to define a kinematically admissible velocity field as the solution of a linear programming problem. The formulation is applicable to materials whose strength is cohesive-frictional, purely cohesive and uniform, or purely cohesive and linearly varying, and thus, quite general.