Localization and regularization behavior of mixed finite elements for 2D structural problems with damaging material

A class of Lagrangian mixed finite elements is presented for applications to 2D structural problems based on a damage constitutive model. Attention is focused on localization and regularization issues as compared with the correspondent behavior of Lagrangian displacement-based elements. A non-local regularization procedure of integral type is adopted. A predictor–corrector technique is used to solve the evolution problem of the damage variable. The proposed elements show superior performances for typical structural applications.