An extension of the partition of unity finite element method

Here, we propose an extension of the Partition of Unit Finite Element Method (PUFEM) and a numerical procedure for the solution of J2 plasticity problems. The proposed method is based in the Moving Least Square Approximation (MLSA) and is capable of overcoming singularity problems, in the global shape functions, resulting from the consideration of linear or higher order base functions, in the classical PUFEM. The classical PUFEM employs a single constant base function and results in the so-called Sheppard functions. In order to avoid the presence of singular points, the method considers an ext...