Small strain plasticity: classical versus multifield formulation

The purpose of the present paper is to derive a uniform and consistent framework for a multifield access to small strain ideal elastoplasticity and compare it to state of the art. Therefore, a well-established associative material model, its derivation and its implementation are examined. Furthermore, it is commented on the restrictions and benefits resulting from the structure of its equations. Simultaneously, a variational approach based on the principle of Jourdain is followed, raising the evolution equation on the finite element level. Hence, the emanating mathematical structure leads not only to novel possibilities but also to new challenges, which are contextualized to the existing, classical strategies with the help of a representative example. Last but not least the scope of future work is stated.