A MULTILAYERED MIXED BEAM ELEMENT IN GRADIENT PLASTICITY FOR THE ANALYSIS OF LOCALIZED FAILURE MODES

A gradient-dependent plasticity theory is applied to finite element so lutions of static strain localization problems. Assuming weak satisfac tion of constitutive equations, a multilayered beam finite element wit h a mixed character is developed. The plastic strain held is discretiz ed in addition of the displacement field. A consistent Newton-Raphson algorithm for this approach is presented. Some examples are carried ou t in order to illustrate the approach and verify the performances of t he element. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.