Extended finite element method for three-dimensional large plasticity deformations on arbitrary interfaces

In this paper, the extended finite element method is presented for large elasto-plastic deformation in 3D solid mechanics problems. The X-FEM computational algorithm is presented in the framework of Lagrangian description in order to model the arbitrary interfaces in large deformations. In X-FEM, the material interface is represented independently of element boundaries and the process is accomplished by partitioning the domain with several tetrahedral sub-elements whose Gauss points are used for integration of the domain of elements. The interface between two bodies is modeled by using the X-FEM technique and applying a modified level set enrichment function. In order to simulate the nonlinear behavior of materials, the Lagrangian plasticity formulation is coupled with the X-FEM technique. Finally, several numerical examples are analyzed to demonstrate the efficiency of the X-FEM technique in large plasticity deformations. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.