Models for metals subjected to cyclic loading

This section describes the formulation of the linear kinematic hardening model, the combined isotropic/kinematic hardening model, and the multilinear kinematic hardening model used in Abaqus.

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Models for Metals Subjected to Cyclic Loading

ProductsAbaqus/StandardAbaqus/Explicit

The kinematic hardening models in Abaqus are intended to simulate the behavior of metals that are subjected to cyclic loading. These models are typically applied to studies of low-cycle fatigue and ratcheting. The basic concept of these models is that the yield surface shifts in stress space so that straining in one direction reduces the yield stress in the opposite direction, thus simulating the Bauschinger effect and anisotropy induced by work hardening.

Three kinematic hardening models are available in Abaqus. The simplest model provides linear kinematic hardening and is, thus, mainly used for low-cycle fatigue evaluations. This model yields physically reasonable results if the uniaxial behavior is linearized in the plastic range (a constant work-hardening slope). This is usually best accomplished by guessing the strain levels that will be attained in the problem and linearizing the actual material behavior accordingly. It is important to recognize this restriction on the theory's ability to provide reasonable results and to provide material data accordingly. This model is available with the Mises or Hill yield surface.

The combined isotropic/kinematic hardening model is an extension of the linear model. It provides a more accurate approximation to the stress-strain relation than the linear model. It also models other phenomena—such as ratcheting, relaxation of the mean stress, and cyclic hardening—that are typical of materials subjected to cyclic loading. In addition, it is possible to superpose several kinematic hardening models, which in general will produce more accurate results when the range of changes in strain is significant and will allow more accurate modeling of the ratcheting effect. This model is available only with the Mises yield surface.

The multilinear kinematic model, available only in Abaqus/Standard, combines several piecewise linear hardening curves to predict the complex behavior of materials. This model is very easy to calibrate and is defined by giving the value of the uniaxial yield stress as a function of uniaxial plastic strain, temperature, or field variables. It can be used to model the Bauschinger effect but cannot predict ratcheting.

This section first describes those aspects of the formulation that are common to these models; the specific formulation of each model is presented subsequently.