Ratcheting characterization and its effect on low cycle fatigue behavior of DP600 steel sheet under cyclic shear path

•The ratcheting effect of DP600 steel sheet under the shear path is studied.•The history of ratcheting loading can cause grain refinement behaviors during fatigue loading.•The ratcheting strain before obvious damage is beneficial to prolong the fatigue life.•The stress less than the yield point is a necessary condition for ratcheting inhibition.