An implicit BEM formulation for gradient plasticity and localization phenomena

The aim of this paper is to discuss a boundary element formulation for non‐linear structural problems involving localization phenomena. In order to overcome the well‐known mesh dependency observed in local plasticity, a gradient plasticity model is used. An implicit boundary element formulation is proposed and the underlying consistent tangent operator defined. This formulation is based on the classical displacement and strain integral representations combined with an integral representation of the plastic multiplier. First numerical examples are presented to illustrate the application of the method. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.