Kinematical shakedown analysis with temperature-dependent yield stress

This paper describes a direct shakedown analysis of structures subjected to variable thermal and mechanical loading. The classical kinematical shakedo wn theorem is modified to be implemented with any displacement-based finite elements. The plastic incompressibility condition is imposed by the penalt y function method. The shakedown limit is found via a non-linear mathematic al programming procedure. Two numerical shakedown methods are developed and implemented to provide alternative numerical means. The temperature-depend ent material model is included in theoretical and numerical calculation in a simple way. Its effect on shakedown limit is investigated. The numerical examination for some pressure vessel structures subjected to thermal and me chanical loading shows a satisfying precision and efficiency of the methods presented. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.