This article proposes an efficient discretization strategy for physically nonlinear problems. It combines a high order finite element formulation which increases the polynomial degree of the shape functions on a coarse mesh with the r-method moving nodes and edges of an existing FE-mesh. The basic idea of the rp-version is to iteratively adapt the finite element mesh to the shape of the elastic-plastic interface in order to take into account the loss of regularity which arises along the boundary of the plastic zone. This discretization technique leads to an exponential rate of convergence.     «

This article proposes an efficient discretization strategy for physically nonlinear problems. It combines a high order finite element formulation which increases the polynomial degree of the shape functions on a coarse mesh with the r-method moving nodes and edges of an existing FE-mesh. The basic idea of the rp-version is to iteratively adapt the finite element mesh to the shape of the elastic-plastic interface in order to take into account the loss of regularity which arises along the boundary...     »