ABSTRACTIn the present work, the mechanical properties of pressure tube material (Zr-Nb2.5) are evaluated using the coupled finite element–element-free Galerkin approach. Penalty approach is used to impose contact constraints and non-penetration condition at the interface. An efficient node-to-segment algorithm is employed to model the contact behavior. An updated Lagrangian approach is used to model the large deformation. Loading and unloading response of the indentation process is analyzed using von-Mises and Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) plasticity models. In multiple indentations, the indentation depth is progressively increased up to a maximum specified limit with partial unloading. Load-indentation depth curves are used to extract the flow properties of the material.