Analysis of material nonlinear problems using pseudo-elastic finite element method

A method based on linear elastic finite element analysis is presented for s tress field determination of elasto-plastic problems. Hencky's total deform ation theory is used to define effective material parameters, which are tre ated as spatial field variables and considered to be functions of final sta te of equilibrium stress and material properties. These effective material parameters are obtained in an iterative manner using strain-controlled proj ection method, arc-length method, and Neuber rule applied on experimental u niaxial tension test curve. Three problems of von Mises material are consid ered to illustrate the application of the proposed method: a thick-walled c ylinder subjected to internal pressure characterized by general work-harden ing behavior, a V-notch specimen subjected to remote tensile load having el astic-perfectly plastic behavior, and a rotating disk with material having elastic linear work-hardening behavior. Obtained results for all the cases are compared with standard nonlinear finite element results and are found t o be in good agreement. [S0094-9930(00)00104-9].