Stress computation in elastoplasticity

Stress computation in finite element materially non‐linear analysis is an important problem that has perhaps been receiving less attention than it deserves. Not only does it consume a significant share of total computer time, but also inaccuracies and ‘savings’ thereupon may well jeopardize the gains aimed at by sophisticating elsewhere the numerical strategy. A well established algorithm for stress computation is reviewed in detail, illustrating a number of computational hazards and proposing simple solutions.