RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE APPLICATION OF FINITE-ELEMENT METHODS TO NONLINEAR PROBLEMS

Computational strategies relevant to finite strain elasto-plastic prob lems are discussed and the necessity for both a sound theoretical fram ework and numerically consistent linearisation procedures emphasised. Strain localisation phenomena are briefly outlined and a material modu lus for large inelastic deformations at finite strain is generalised t o account for the effects of curvature of the yield surface, presence of ductile damage and rate dependence. The treatment of contact/fricti on problems within the framework of the theory of elasto-plasticity is also discussed. Numerical results are presented for some representati ve examples.