A Discrete Element Method for the Analysis of Plane Elasto-Plastic Stress Problems

Abstract

Summary A procedure is developed for the analysis of plane stress problems when yielding occurs locally. The region is divided into triangular elements and the deformation is analysed on a step-by-step basis, using the matrix notation developed by Argyris. The simple expressions which are derived for the element properties are applicable with any stress-strain relations which are stable and time-independent. Simple numerical examples are given.