The Bouc hysteresis model: an initial study of qualitative characteristics

The modified Bouc hysteresis model is able to represent a large class of hysteretic behavior and is used in the area of civil engineering to represent inelastic stress-strain relationships found in a large number of structures and to describe the responses of hysteretic materials and structures to applied forces. This initial study looks at the equilibria of this important model, extensively examines their stability features, and presents a comprehensive picture of their qualitative characteristics.