Computational modeling of multiaxial elasto-plastic stress–strain response for notched components under non-proportional loading

Abstract In this paper, a computational modeling technique of the multiaxial stress–strain notch analysis has been developed to compute elasto-plastic notch tip stress–strain responses using linear elastic FE results of notched components. Application and validation of the multiaxial stress–strain notch analysis model were presented by comparing computed results of the model to the experimental data of SAE 1070 steel notched shaft subjected to several non-proportional load paths. Based on the comparison between the experimental and computed strain histories, the elasto-plastic stress–strain model estimated notch strains with reasonable accuracy using linear-elastic FE stress histories. The elasto-plastic stress–strain notch analysis model provides more efficient and simple analysis method preferable to expensive experimental component tests and more complex and time consuming incremental non-linear FE analysis. The elasto-plastic stress–strain model can thus be employed to perform fatigue life and fatigue damage estimates associated with the local material deformation.