DOI：10.1002/nme.7490

Abstract：In this paper, a novel first- and second-order stabilization-free virtual element method is proposed for two-dimensional elastoplastic problems. In contrast totraditional virtual element methods, the improved method does not require any sta-bilization, making the solution of nonlinear problems more reliable. The main ideais to modify the virtual element space to allow the computation of the higher-orderL2 projection operator, ensuring that the strain and stress represent the element en.ergy accurately. Considering the fexibility of the stabilization-free virtual elementmethod, the elastoplastic mechanical problems can be solved by radial return meth.ods known from the traditional finite element framework, J2 plasticity with harden-ing is considered for modeling the nonlinear response. Several numerical examplesare provided to illustrate the capability and accuracy of the stabilization-free virtualelement method.