Abstract
In this work the ability and versatility of a meshless method, namely the Reproducing Kernel Particle Method, is assessed in the modelling of ductile damage in forming processes. The performance is compared with a traditional finite element approach. In particular the pathological behaviour associated with the size and orientation of the discretization, typical in finite elements, is investigated. The damage model is based on the Lemaitre model and includes an enhancement that distinguishes damage evolution for local tension and compression states. Damage is coupled with a plastic deformation model based on the “flow formulation”. Local and non-local damage models, of integral and gradient (explicit and implicit ) types, were implemented and compared.