A wavelet-like Galerkin method for numerical solution of variational inequalities arising in elastoplasticity

Abstract

The well-known problem of elasticity that may be written as a variational equation [4] has been recently extended to non-linear elastoplastic behaviours [13] giving rise to a class of variational inequalities of second kind [9]. This paper presents a wavelet Galerkin method for the numerical solution of such a class of problems, extensively studied and solved in the past by means of more traditional approaches. The novelty of the scheme presented herein is represented by the capability of wavelets to locate regions where plasticity is growing without the need of any further indicator. This is useful for adaptive remeshing as well as for gaining insight into internal variable models with applications to dynamic analysis and damage identification. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.