Fatigue Crack Growth Prediction Under Random Peaks and Sequence Loading

Fatigue crack growth under random amplitude and sequence loading with peaks following the Rayleigh probability density function is simulated using the probabilistic model. Another attempt at fatigue life prediction under the above loads is made by converting random loads in to equivalent constant amplitude. Prediction results are compared with experimental findings. Empirical data for fatigue crack growth under random loads at different frequencies are compared with the results of prediction using the above techniques. Experimental results of three steels are used in this study to compare with the findings of the above prediction techniques. These steels are AISI 1018, AISI 4340 and stainless pH 17-7. It is seen that the probabilistic model produces reliable results. It conservatively predicts fatigue crack growth when no delay mechanism to retard crack growth is introduced.