The Engineering Significance of Limit Analysis Hodge, Philip G. Jr. Deformation Load Distribution Metals Stresses By definition, the limit load on a structure is the unique magnitude of the given loads under which a structure can first deform if it is made of a rigid-perfectly plastic material. The significance of the limit load for a structure made of a real material is discussed in relation to a simple truss. Sponsorship: Contract No. Nonr 140604 This research was sponsored by the federal government. The appropriate Department of Defense database, DTIC Online Access Controlled, was consulted prior to submission to confirm that the report has no distribution limitations and may therefore be made available to the public online. Department of Mechanics, Illinois Institute of Technology 2011-05-12 1958-04 Technical report printed matter application/pdf islandora:10173 DOMIIT-1-1 Project No. NR 064-429 http://hdl.handle.net/10560/islandora:10173 MMAE / Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering Illinois Institute of Technology en In Copyright http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/ Open Access