Computation of Ratchet Limits for Structures Subjected to Cyclic Loading and Temperature

The paper discusses methods of evaluating the ratchet limit for an elastic/plastic structure subjected to cyclic thermal and mechanical loading. A recently developed minimization theorems by Ponter and Chen [2] provides a generalization of the shakedown limit theorems for histories of load in excess of shakedown. This allows the development of programming methods that locate the ratchet boundary in excess of shakedown. Examples of applications are provided including the performance of a cracked body subjected to cyclic thermal loading. Finally, the theory is used to discuss Kalnins’ [4] proposal that short cut finite element solutions may be used to assess whether a particular loading history lies within a ratchet limit.