An effective boundary element algorithm for 2D and 3D elastoplastic problems

Novel methods are described for removing the strong singularities arising i n the domain integrals of elastoplasticity, and for solving the non-linear equation set. The former employs a new transformation from domain integrals to (cell) boundary integrals. The number of system equations is minimised by using the plastic multiplier as the primary unknown and an incremental v ariable stiffness iterative algorithm is developed for solving these equati ons. Excellent convergence is achieved and some numerical examples demonstr ate the algorithm's effectiveness. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All right s reserved.