On finite element implementation of cyclic elastoplasticity: theory, coding, and exemplary problems

Abstract In this work the finite element (FE) implementation of the small strain cyclic plasticity is discussed. The family of elastoplastic constitutive models is considered which uses the mixed, kinematic-isotropic hardening rule. It is assumed that the kinematic hardening is governed by the Armstrong–Frederick law. The radial return mapping algorithm is utilized to discretize the general form of the constitutive equation. A relation for the consistent elastoplastic tangent operator is derived. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this formula has not been presented in the literature yet. The obtained set of equations can be used to implement the cyclic plasticity models into numerous commercial or non-commercial FE packages. A user subroutine UMAT (User’s MATerial) has been developed in order to implement the cyclic plasticity model by Yoshida into the open-source FE program CalculiX. The coding is included in the Appendix. It can be easily modified to implement any isotropic hardening rule for which the yield stress is a function of the effective plastic strain. The number of the utilized backstress variables can be easily increased as well. Several validation tests which have been performed in order to verify the code’s performance are discussed.