Enhanced linear triangle for plasticity problems in J′2 solids Original Research Article

Due to their economy and capability to reproduce high gradient zones, low order elements are of great interest in the calculations involving localized failure. However, the performance of the simplest element, the three nodes triangle, under incompressible and bending dominated situations is very poor and the computed results unreliable. This paper presents an inexpensive three fields, u–p–σ, formulation solving these issues as shown in the examples of application.