Finite Deformations of a Rigid Perfectly Plastic Arch

Abstract

The quasi-static postyield deformation of a rigid-plastic arch in the presence of geometry changes is considered. The problem is formulated in terms of a series of boundary-value problems concerned with rates of stress and velocities. In the present simple case, the consideration of the rate problem associated with the yield-point state of the structure enables one to construct a closed-form solution which describes the entire deformation history of the arch. However, the principal aim of the present study is to stress the central role played by the rate problem in the investigation of the finite deformation of structures.