Limit Load Evaluation Using the mα-Tangent Multiplier in Conjunction With Elastic Modulus Adjustment Procedure

In this paper, the m(alpha)-tangent multiplier is used in conjunction with the elastic modulus adjustment procedure (EMAP) for limit load determination. This technique is applied to a number of mechanical components possessing different kinematic redundancies. By specifying spatial variations in the elastic modulus, numerous sets of statically admissible and kinematically admissible stress and strain distributions are generated, and limit loads for practical components are then determined using the m(alpha)-tangent method. The procedure ensures sufficiently accurate limit loads within a reasonable number of iterations. Results are compared with the inelastic finite element results and are found to be in satisfactory agreement.