An integration scheme for Prandtl‐Reuss elastoplastic constitutive equations

We investigate the Generalized Midpoint Rule for the time integration of elastoplastic constitutive equations for pressure‐independent yield criteria. The incremental equations are divided into one scalar hydrostatic pressure/dilation rate equation, and a stress deviator/strain rate deviator tensorial equation, the solution of which reduces to one single scalar equation in the plastic multiplier. The existence and uniqueness of an incremental solution is discussed. The pressure/deviator decomposition is the basis for reduced integration of the pressure term in the Principle of Virtual Work, in order to avoid locking and spurious pressure oscillations. It is also shown that an optimal choice of the parameter of the Midpoint Rule can be computed by reference to the analytical solution of the equations assuming no work hardening. A benchmark test shows that this choice allows increased time steps. This formulation is applied to two classical problems: bulging of a tube under internal pressure and tension test on a notched specimen, and a comparison with the analytical solution is performed. Finally, the hypothesis which sustains these formulations of elastoplasticity (constant strain rate during an increment) is discussed with reference to elastic unloading and residual stress computation.