The Bauschinger effect, Masing model and the Ramberg–Osgood relation for cyclic deformation in metals

The present paper reviews and compares the Masing and the Ramberg–Osgood interpretations of cyclic stress–strain behaviour and a more recent multi-component model that is closely related to the actual microstructure established during cyclic deformation. Predictions of the Bauschinger effect are discussed and the Bauschinger effect is related to the deformation-induced internal stresses. Furthermore, relationships between the models are established which can then be used to calculate energy expenditure during cyclic loading. It is shown that, based upon microstructural observations, the models also allow a prediction of the cyclic stress–strain curve of materials under variable amplitude loading conditions. Finally, various examples are discussed where the correlation between the Masing-type models and the microstructure can be used to relate the change in cyclic stress–strain response with temperature to the microscopical processes.