This paper presents an application of the Preisach model of hysteresis
to analysis of the hysteretic response of ductile materials subjected
to cyclic loading or straining. The proposed method is applied to var
ious material models, obtained by series or parallel connections of el
astic and plastic elements. Energy dissipation and the locked-in energ
y are determined for the primary loading and any subsequent unloading
and reloading. Finally, the paper presents a discussion of the hardeni
ng characteristics and anisotropic response.