A new stabilization technique for finite elements in non-linear elasticity

In the present contribution, an innovative stabilization technique for two- dimensional low-order finite elements is presented. The new approach result s in an element formulation that is much simpler than the recently proposed enhanced strain element formulation, yet which gives results of at least t he same quality. An important feature in the regime of large deformations i s the stability of the element, which is addressed in detail. The main adva ntages of the new formulation are, besides its simplicity, its computationa l efficiency and robust behaviour. Only three history variables have to be stored, making this stabilization concept particularly interesting for larg e-scale problems. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.