Author(s)

E. Rizzi & K. Willam

Abstract

Spatial discretization of strain localization E. Rizzi,* K. Willam University of Colorado Boulder, CEAE Department, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0428, USA * On leave from Politecnico di Milano, DIS, Milano, Italy ABSTRACT In recent years novel finite element techniques have been developed for capturing strain localization. Their objective is to minimize mesh sensitivity of numerical solutions in the presence of destabilizing material effects due to stiffness degra- dation, strength softening and loss of associativity. In the context of localization analysis two computational features are examined to study the effect of arc- length control and of enhanced finite elements in the form of the incompatible QM6-element. This element formulation captures discontinuities due to strain localization and thus reduces mesh locking due to directional bias. INTRODUCTION Strain localization is normally associated with the formation of spatial disconti- nuities which entail jumps in the vel

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