Integrated structural analysis tool using the linear matching method part 1 – Software development

•A new structural analysis tool using the Linear Matching Method (LMM) is developed.•The software tool is able to evaluate the design limits in plasticity.•Able to assess limit load, shakedown, ratchet limit and steady state cyclic response.•Re-structuring of the LMM subroutines for multiple CPU solution is conducted.•The software tool is implemented by developing an Abaqus CAE plug-in with GUI.

A number of direct methods based upon the Linear Matching Method (LMM) framework have been developed to address structural integrity issues for components subjected to cyclic thermal and mechanical load conditions. This paper presents a new integrated structural analysis tool using the LMM framework for the assessment of load carrying capacity, shakedown limit, ratchet limit and steady state cyclic response of structures. First, the development of the LMM for the evaluation of design limits in plasticity is introduced. Second, preliminary considerations for the development of the LMM into a tool which can be used on a regular basis by engineers are discussed. After the re-structuring of the LMM subroutines for multiple central processing unit (CPU) solution, the LMM software tool for the assessment of design limits in plasticity is implemented by developing an Abaqus CAE plug-in with graphical user interfaces. Further demonstration of this new LMM analysis tool including practical application and verification is presented in an accompanying paper.