The Linear Matching Method and Its Software Tool for Creep Fatigue Damage Assessment

The Linear Matching Method (LMM) is a numerical procedure that has undergone extensive research and development over a number of years to conduct various structural integrity assessments, more recently, the creep-fatigue damage assessment considering full creep-cyclic plasticity interaction using the extended Direct Steady Cycle Analysis. In order to encourage the widespread implementation of the LMM throughout the industry, an Abaqus CAE plug-in has been developed that enables its use by individuals with little or no understanding of the numerical theories involved. This chapter discusses different creep-cyclic plasticity mechanisms and provides a detailed review of the latest developments within the LMM framework for its evaluation. Case studies are included to demonstrate the applicability of LMM in the evaluation of creep-cyclic plasticity response for complicated loads, varying dwell periods and multi-material structures. Further, the flexibility of LMM to couple with Reversed Plasticity Domain Method to design cyclic load levels, and with design codes for creep-fatigue damage evaluation is also presented. All the results from the case studies demonstrate the level of accuracy, efficiency and robustness of the LMM.