An adaptive domain decomposition coupled finite element–boundary element method for solving problems in elasto‐plasticity

The purpose of this paper is to present an adaptive finite element–boundary element method (FEM–BEM) coupling method that is valid for both two‐ and three‐dimensional elasto‐plastic analyses. The method takes care of the evolution of the elastic and plastic regions. It eliminates the cumbersome of a trial and error process in the identification of the FEM and BEM sub‐domains in the standard FEM–BEM coupling approaches. The method estimates the FEM and BEM sub‐domains and automatically generates/adapts the FEM and BEM meshes/sub‐domains, according to the state of computation. The results for two‐ and three‐dimensional applications in elasto‐plasticity show the practicality and the efficiency of the adaptive FEM–BEM coupling method.