Design of simple low order finite elements for large strain analysis of nearly incompressible solids

simple four-node quadrilateral and an eight-node hexahedron for large strain analysis of nearly incompressible solids are proposed. Based on the concept of deviatoric/volumetric split and the replacement of the compatible deformation gradient with an assumed modified counterpart, the formulation developed is applicable to arbitrary material models. The closed form of the correspa’nding exact tangent stiffnesses, which have a particularly simple structure, is derived. It ensures