Finite element analysis of deformation of strain‐softening materials

Abstract A finite element analysis of strain‐softening materials is presented in which the shear band of prescribed thickness is assumed to exist within elements where maximal stress intensity is reached. The incremental stiffness matrix of the element is derived including shear band deformation. Examples presented in the Paper demonstrate that the load‐displacement curve and the displacement field are not sensitive to the mesh size used in the solution.