Anisotropic Loading Functions for Combined Stresses in the Plastic Range

Abstract

Abstract A loading function is a relation between combined stresses for which the beginning of plastic flow takes place. The loading function for a given material is different depending upon the initial plastic strains produced. That is, the initial stress or strain history influences the subsequent loading function. This paper gives the results of an experimental investigation to determine the validity of certain loading functions proposed for anisotropic materials. The study reported was conducted for an aluminum alloy 24S-T and the state of stress covered was biaxial tension. These stresses were produced in the usual way by subjecting thin-walled tubular specimens to axial tension and internal pressure. The test results showed that none of the existing loading functions is adequate for interpreting the plastic stress-strain relations obtained. Tests also were made to determine the change in the loading function with increase in plastic flow. It was found that the loading function did not remain symmetrical with respect to the original function, nor was the new loading function the same as the original except for a shift of origin. However, the test results support in a qualitative way the concept of the so-called “yield corner.”