A variable stiffness dual boundary element method for mixed-mode elastoplastic crack problems

A dual boundary element formulation is presented for elastoplastic crack problems using a variable stiffness approach. In this approach the Von Mises yield criterion with strain hardening is used and the unknown non-linear terms, as the initial strains, are now defined in function of the scalar flow factors. Dual BEM variable stiffness formulation, based on the utilisation of the traction equation on one of the crack surfaces and the displacement equation on the other, is presented for the solution of general elastoplastic fracture mechanics problems. The validity of the present formulation has been assessed by comparing with the well known iterative dual BEM elastoplastic approach.