Plasticity of Metals - Mathematical Theory and Structural Applications

A brief analysis is given of the phi losophy and practice of engineering design. The importance bf plasticity in most elastic design is emphasized and the use of elementary plastic analysis is illustrated. Applications to beam and truss fr a meworks (limit design and “shakedown”) and structural stability are discussed . The great difference between plasticity and nonlinear elasticity is shown by simple examples. A short description is given of the development of mathematical theories of plasticity and the experimental results on which they are based. The necessity for additional correlated experimental and analytical investigation is made apparent, and the author's opinion of the initial direction this work should take is stated.