Abstract
The hp-adaptive mesh refinement is a technique that for linear problems proved to deliver a fast, predicted by theory, exponential convergence. We have applied this approach to elastic-plastic problems modeled by associative constitutive law with the Mises yield surface. A modification of the automatic refinements and various types of mesh adaptation were tested. Exponential convergence was observed when the FEM mesh complied with the yielding zone. In general the original automatic hp-mesh refinements led to the fastest convergence even though it was only algebraic, what is theoretically justified for elastic-plastic problems.