Advanced Structural Analysis/Part I - Theory/Failure Modes/Plastic Failure/Limit Analysis

1. Introduction
2. Lower Bound
3. Upper Bound

Introduction

Plastic failure modes, even of simple structures, are usually difficult to analyze in a precise quantitative manner. Sophisticated FEM algorithms and significant CPU-times are often necessary in order to produce realistic results.

Limit analysis offers a different, simplistic approach. It is based on a few assumptions and enables the analyst to achieve intrinsic lower and upper bound assessments of the catastrophic loads.