Multivariable approach to the finite difference solution of elasto-plastic problems

The solutions of plane elasto-plastic problems usually use one or two field variables—namely a stress functions or the displacements. The use of three, four or five field variables is investigated and it is concluded that the three stresses from the best basis for a multivariable approach. Attempts to solve the governing equations with an initial value technique were exhaustively tried and discarded in preference to a boundary value or elliptical technique. The problem solved to check the method is that of a hole in plane strain uniaxial tension. Effective plastic strain distributions are plotted, along with stress and strain concentration data and distributions of the mean to effective stress ratio. Comparison is made between solutions produced using incremental and deformation theories.