Software development for the fatigue life prediction of structural components

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2003

Authors

Abílio M. P. de Jesus (Author) Other; A. S. Ribeiro (Author) Other; A. Portela (Author) Other; Paulo Tavares de Castro (Author) FEUP; Augusto A. Fernandes (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Welding Research Abroad

Vol. 49

Pages: 1-5

ISSN: 0043-2318

Publisher: Welding Research Council

Indexing

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-007-AKN

Abstract (EN): The fatigue life of a structural component can be evaluated by calculating independently the crack initiation and propagation phases. A software package based on Windows Visual Basic, with a user friendly interface was developed for predicting fatigue life. The package is composed of four modules. The first module covers the evaluation of the initiation phase in structural components containing defects, using local approach methods. Notch load and strain spectra are converted into damage. The second and third modules allow the evaluation of the propagation phase using linear elastic fracture mechanics concepts. In one of the modules, stress intensity factor formulations available in the literature are used; in the other the boundary element method is used to evaluate the stress field at the crack tip. The fourth module contains a database on materials properties relevant for fatigue life evaluation. Examples are given: (1) curves relating the number of cycles to initiation of a defect and the applied stress amplitude for steels MAN-TEN and SAE 950X, and Al-alloys Al6061-T6 and Al7075-T6, (2) stress intensity factor calculation for an array of cracked fastener holes in a rectangular plate, (3) S-N curves for a T-welded joint with a pre-existing crack.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5