This work presents a methodology for self-adaptive finite element analysis of two-dimensional elastic-plastic structures. The self-adaptive process is based on an h-type refinement, with a posteriori error estimation. Two types of error estimators are available. The first is based on effective stress (Lee and Bathe, 1994) and the second is based on a ratio of plastic work (Peric et al., 1994). In the non-linear adaptive process for incremental plasticity analysis, a technique for interpolating analysis variables across distinct meshes (Lee and Bathe, 1994) is adopted. The von Mises yield criterion, with isotropic hardening, is adopted. Fracture problems are used to evaluate the performance of the adaptive process.
finite elements; adaptive analysis; plasticity; cracks; error estimator
