Finite element analysis of a cyclically loaded notched bar using constitutive models based on the cyclic nonhardening region (Q1113729)

It is shown that simple and elaborate constitutive models based on the cyclic nonhardening region are implemented without difficulty in existing finite element methods. The cyclic nonhardening region, which is defined in plastic strain space, enables us to describe an important feature of cyclic plasticity, i.e., dependence of cyclic hardening of materials on the cyclic strain and stress ranges. This dependence is essential to structural analysis of cyclic plasticity, because structure have, in general, nonuniform distributions of the cyclic strain and stress ranges, resulting in nonuniform development of cyclic hardening. An axisymmetric notched bar subjected to axial cyclic loading is analyzed as an example, and the results by the simple and elaborate models are compared.