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Title: Fatigue-life prediction methodology using a crack-closure model

Journal Article · · Journal of Engineering Materials and Technology
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2804736· OSTI ID:131519
 [1]
  1. NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA (United States). Mechanics of Materials Branch

This paper reviews the capabilities of a plasticity-induced crack-closure model and life-prediction code, FASTRAN, to predict fatigue lives of metallic materials using small-crack theory. Crack-tip constraint factors, to account for three-dimensional state-of-stress effects, were selected to correlate large-crack growth rate data as a function of the effective-stress-intensity factor range ({Delta}K{sub eff}) under constant-amplitude loading. Some modifications to the {Delta}K{sub eff}-rate relations were needed in the near-threshold regime to fit small-crack growth rate behavior and endurance limits. The model was then used to calculate small- and large-crack growth rates, and to predict total fatigue lives, for notched specimens made of several aluminum alloys and a titanium alloy under constant-amplitude and spectrum loading. Fatigue lives were calculated using the crack-growth relations and microstructural features like those that initiated cracks for the aluminum alloys. An equivalent-initial-flaw-size concept was used to bound the fatigue lives for the titanium alloy. Results from the tests and analyses agreed well.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
131519
Journal Information:
Journal of Engineering Materials and Technology, Vol. 117, Issue 4; Other Information: PBD: Oct 1995
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English