Stresses in a partly yielded notched bar—An assessment of three alternative programs

The results of three finite element stress analysis programs are compared for the problem of the elasto–plastic bending of a notched beam under plane strain conditions. Both Tresca and von Mises yield criteria are considered and the numerical results are compared with an available analytical solution based on slip‐line field theory. The general conclusion is drawn that finite element methods can be used with confidence in elasto–plastic stress analysis.