A Finite Element Algorithm for Microvoid Nucleation, Growth and Coalescence

Abstract

A radial return algorithm is developed for large strain elasto-plastic struc tures in order to easily compute microvoid volume fraction rates. The basic feature subroutines are described in detail and forwards four typical problems are analysed: Q4 element tensile test, Q4 element compression test, notched cylinder tensile test and pipe bulging. The influence of microvoids volume fraction is clearly enhanced, mainly in regard to hydrostatic stress.