 ##  [Ratcheting](/index.php/ratcheting) 

  ##  [Ratcheting](https://engineering.quantumdictionary.io/ratcheting-0) 

  

 [![Engineering & Applied Technologies Dictionary](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2026-01/Engineering%20%26%20Applied%20Technologies.png.webp?itok=_IKO7_-n)](/index.php/topic-specific-dictionaries/engineering-applied-technologies)



**Engineering &amp; Applied Technologies Dictionary**

 







 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Definition

The progressive accumulation of incremental plastic strain in a structure or component subjected to cyclic loading with a non‑zero mean (bias) that produces net deformation per cycle, leading over many cycles to geometric distortion, loss of function, and eventual failure.