FINITE-ELEMENT SIMULATION OF LOCALIZED PLASTIC-DEFORMATION

A rational finite element algorithm for capturing localized plastic deformation due to softening and/or non-associated plastic flow is devised. The incremental relations are based on implicit integration. In each increment it is important to use a carefully designed modified Newton iteration procedure in conjunction with a start solution whose calculation is based on a diagnostic bifurcation analysis. The algorithm performs successfully for a finite element mesh that is biased in the sense that the element sides are prealigned with the anticipated localization zone which is demonstrated for a slope stability problem.