A simplified creep-reverse plasticity solution method for bodies subjected to cyclic loading

An extension of the upper bound shakedown theorem to load histories in excess of shakedown has been applied recently to the evaluation of a ratchet limit and the varying plastic strain magnitudes associated with a varying residual stress field. Solutions were obtained by the Linear Matching Method. In the present paper, this technique is extended to the evaluation of creep-reverse plasticity mechanism for bodies subjected to thermal cyclic loading including creep effects. The accumulated creep strain, the varying flow stress and the corresponding varying residual stress field during a creep dwell time are evaluated as well as the elastic follow-up factor. Three alternative computational strategies are discussed with differing but related assumptions. The problem of a plate with a central circular hole is discussed, subjected to cyclic thermal load. All three methods provide similar values for the elastic follow-up factor, indicating that the result is insensitive to the range of assumptions made. The simplest method, Method 1, is suggested as the basis of a general purpose method for use in life assessment.