Local Limit-Load Analysis Using the mβ Method

Abstract

Several upper-bound limit-load multipliers based on elastic modulus adjustment procedures converge to the lowest upper-bound value after several linear elastic iterations. However, pressure component design requires the use of lower-bound multipliers. Local limit loads are obtained in this paper by invoking the concept of “reference volume” in conjunction with the mβ multiplier method. The lower-bound limit loads obtained compare well to inelastic finite element analysis results for several pressure component configurations.