A mixed finite element for the analysis of large inelastic strains

A 4-node element with 1 integration point is developed for the analysis of elastoplastic large strains. It is based on the Hu-Washizu principle and uses a co-rotational formulation. Special care is taken to avoid spurious zero-energy modes and incompressibility locking. This element successfully passes the large strain patch test. It proves to be accurate and computationally very cheap.