A numerical approach for predicting shakedown limit in ratcheting behavior of materials

Studying the ratcheting and shakedown behavior of materials under cyclic loading is significant for controlling structural deformation and improving the service lifetime of materials. In this study, cyclic loading tests were performed on DH36 steel at room temperature under various conditions while evaluating the effects of the loading waveform, the loading rate and the stress ratio to reveal the material characteristics of ratcheting and shakedown behavior and to provide an experimental basis for proposing and implementing a numerical method that predicts the shakedown limit in this type of cyclic plastic behavior. A numerical analysis method using the plastic deformation energy as a shakedown criterion was proposed based on the energy dissipation phenomena observed in the tests. The method was then applied to two classic examples of shakedown analysis by computation and was compared with related results from the literature to evaluate its effectiveness and reliability. This method provides a new approach for the numerical analysis of the material shakedown limit.

► Cyclic loading tests were performed on DH36 steel at room temperature under various conditions. ► A numerical analysis method for computing the material shakedown limit is proposed. ► The validity of the proposed method is verified by two classic examples of shakedown analysis. ► The method provides a new approach for the numerical analysis of the material shakedown limit.