Finite element analysis of strain localization in frictional materials

Abstract

Numerical examples are given which illustrate the poor performance of conventional finite elements in problems involving strain localization in frictional materials. In one of the cases investigated, that of granular media subjected to plane strain biaxial loading, isoparametric elements are seen to inhibit localization altogether. With these examples by way of motivation, the performance of a recently proposed finite element method in the context of strain localization in frictional materials is assessed, with particular emphasis on three-dimensional problems. In passing, some issues pertaining to the post-bifurcation response of biaxial specimens are examined. In particular, the numerical simulations suggest that the observed softening is a geometrical effect not attributable to constitutive behaviour.

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