Finite Element Analysis of Strain Localization in Elasto-Plastic Cosserat Continuum

One of the essential problems in numerical analysis of strain localization is the mesh size effect. In this paper, we mainly discuss a method to overcome the inherent limitations of classic continuum in solving strain localization phenomenon. Applying classic continuum in solving localization phenomenon may lead to strong mesh dependence. This limitation is relaxed by using a higher order continuum. This so-called Cosserat continuum will warrant a finite mesh width and the convergence of load deflection curve to a unique solution. The efficacy of this continuum is verified through applying it to a Von-Mises plain strain slope.

Keywords:

Strain localization , Shear banding , Discontinuity , Cosserat theory