CONSIDERATIONS OF THE EFFECT OF RESIDUAL STRESSES ON FATIGUE OF WELDED ALUMINIUM ALLOY STRUCTURES

A new class of large, high-speed seagoing ferry-boat is under development for service around the world. The ships, which are built entirely of aluminium-alloy plate and stiffeners, show a propensity for fatigue cracking of the welded structure. Cracks may occur in both the hulls and the superstructure early in their 20-year service life. Early appearance of fatigue cracks is shown to result from the combined stress and strain fields set up in weld zones by the static residual stresses and cyclic loads, beyond the effects of weld and detail geometry.  A numerical example demonstrates that conventional methods of fatigue analysis overestimate the lifetime of the welded aluminium structure, while damage tolerance analysis based on fracture mechanics leads to improved prediction.     

MODELLING RESIDUAL STRESSES AND FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH AT COLD-EXPANDED FASTENER HOLES

This paper describes a model developed for predicting residual stresses and crack growth in residual stress fields, and the application of the model to crack growth from cold-worked fastener holes in thick section aircraft components. Comparison with experimental results demonstrates that the model can provide useful predictions of critical crack length, and a capability for correctly predicting the maxima and minima in the crack growth rate for cracks from cold-expanded holes. It also permits the observed asymmetry in cracking from cold-worked fastener holes to be better understood.     

DESIGN OF EXPERIMENTS TO INVESTIGATE RESIDUAL STRESSES AND FATIGUE LIFE IMPROVEMENT BY A SURFACE TREATMENT

Abstract— The careful design of experiment (DOE) technique has been utilized to analyze the residual stress state and to investigate the fatigue life improvement of a material (nitriding steel) subjected to thermal and mechanical treatment.
Nitriding treatments have been performed on several specimens which have been subsequently shot- peened, varying the main parameters controlling the process. The design of experiment method has been accomplished in order to evaluate the influence of the main shot-peening parameters on the distribution and values of the residual stresses close to the surface, and also in order to estimate the influence of these parameters on fatigue resistance.     

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON THE EFFECTS OF COLD EXPANSION OF FASTENER HOLES

A series of experimental investigations concerning the residual stress fields at cold-expanded fastener holes and of the behavior of fatigue cracks at such holes has been conducted. These studies have included measurement of the initial, cold-work-induced residual stress fields at both uncracked and cracked holes and the performance of both constant amplitude and spectrum fatigue crack growth tests.     

残余应力对金属疲劳强度的影响

残余应力对光滑试样高周疲劳极限的影响可以用Goodman关系来描述，但必须要得到残余应力作用系数m、合理地提取残余应力的表征值和区分开其它因素的影响。残余应力对缺口疲劳极限的作用大于对光滑试样的作用，是由于残余应力也存在应力集中现象，而且不易衰减。残余应力的应力集中系数不仅与缺口几何因素有关，还与材料特性有关。试验研究还表明，表层残余压应力对于承受轴向载荷且疲劳残纹萌生于表面的零件也十分有益。     

BIMODAL CONCEPT OF HIGH-CYCLE FATIGUE LIFE PREDICTION FOR CONSTANT AND VARIABLE AMPLITUDE FATIGUE

A bimodal concept for the prediction of the high-cycle fatigue life of structural details subjected to constant- or variable-amplitude loading is considered in this paper. The total fatigue life was separated into two phases: crack initiation and crack propagation. The portion of life spent in crack initiation was estimated by using S–N data obtained on smooth specimens. A fracture mechanics concept was used to calculate the portion of life spent in crack propagation, and the S–N curve, including the fatigue limit of a structural detail, was determined by using material properties and the geometry of the detail. The bimodal concept was applied to a welded stiffener and the results are compared with experimental data reported in the literature.     

A STUDY OF RESIDUAL CAUSTICS GENERATED FROM FATIGUE CRACKS

Abstract— The method of caustics was used to determine the stress intensity factor of fatigue cracks in steel compact tension specimens. Under zero load a residual caustic was observed at the tip of a fatigue crack indicating the presence of a residual stress field. Caustics were generated at increasing static loads and the stress intensity factors were compared with those predicted by theory. It was found that the difference between each measured stress intensity factor and its corresponding theoretical value was a constant for the range of loads. This difference was shown statistically to be equal to the stress intensity factor determined from the residual caustic. The proposed mechanism for the formation of this residual caustic was probably due to crack tip plasticity effects and not due to crack closure. It was concluded that residual caustics can be measured to quantify crack tip behaviour in fatigue cracks and have been shown to be a useful tool in the measurement of residual stress fields.     

EFFECT OF LASER BEAM RADIATION ON FATIGUE CRACK PROPAGATION IN AISI 4150 STEEL

The effect of laser beam radiation on fatigue crack growth in AISI 4150 steel was performed on compact-tension (CT) specimens, in which a composite region (CR) comprised of the hardened zones (HZs) on the top and bottom surfaces and the base metal (BM) in the interior, was aligned either along or normal to the crack growth direction. The microstructure of the HZs consisted of martensite, while lower bainite was present in the 300 °C preheated laser-hardened specimens. When the crack propagated along the laser tracks (LTs), the fatigue crack growth rates (FCGRs) of the laser-hardened specimen were lower than those of the base plate, particularly at low ΔK ranges. On the other hand, for a crack propagating normally to the LTs, decelerated FCGRs in the regions preceding the CR and accelerated FCGRs within the CR itself were found. However, enhanced FCGRs in the CR were not found in preheated specimens with a bainite structure in the HZs as the crack grew normal to the LTs. The enhancement of FCGRs in the CR, which became more accentuated at high ΔK values, was closely related to an embrittled microstructure (martensite) in the HZs.     

CYCLIC CRACK RESISTANCE OF WELDED JOINTS WITH NON-UNIFORM FIELDS OF RESIDUAL WELDING STRESSES

Abstract— The use of linear elastic fracture mechanics to describe the kinetics of fatigue fracture of welded joints with high welding residual stresses (WRS) is experimentally evaluated in this paper. A correction analysis is used to show that the crack propagation rate of cracks in joints, as a function of the applied stress intensity factor, is linear on a log-log scale in the Paris regime when non-uniform fields of WRS are superimposed on the applied cyclic loading. It is shown that crack growth rates in joints with high WRS do not depend on the characteristics of the loading cycle. The parameters of the Paris exponential equation are determined by the initial WRS distribution, by the range of cyclic stresses and by the load ratio. A method for calculating the cyclic crack resistance of joints is proposed which explicitly allows for a non-uniform field of WRS that influences the fatigue crack growth rate.     

FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH UNDER ULTRASONIC FATIGUE LOADING

Abstract— In this paper, a stress and modal analysis of an ultrasonic vibration system consisting of a notched specimen and one or two amplifying horns have been performed by using 3D finite element calculations. The stress intensity factors in ultrasonic fatigue crack propagation are evaluated by means of displacement and energy approaches. The particular advantages as well as limitations of the two approaches are briefly discussed. Two types of ultrasonic fatigue loading, with a different stress ratio, are exerted on the specimen. From a comparison of the results a conclusion is formed that the energy approach is more accurate; it also has a wide range of practicality in engineering industries.     

A MODEL TO PREDICT THE FATIGUE LIFE OF FIBRE-REINFORCED TITANIUM MATRIX COMPOSITES UNDER CONSTANT AMPLITUDE LOADING

A model based on micro-mechanical concepts has been developed for predicting fatigue crack growth in titanium alloy matrix composites. In terms of the model, the crack system is composed of three zones: the crack, the plastic zone and the fibre. Crack tip plasticity is constrained by the fibres and remains so until certain conditions are met. The condition for crack propagation is that fibre constraint is overcome when the stress at the location of the fibre ahead of the crack tip attains a critical level required for debonding. Crack tip plasticity then increases and the crack is able to propagate round the fibre. The debonding stress is calculated using the shear lag model from values of interfacial shear strength and embedded fibre length published in the literature. If the fibres in the crack wake remain unbroken, friction stresses on the crack flanks are generated, as a result of the matrix sliding along the fibres. The friction stresses (known as the bridging effect) shield the crack tip from the remote stress, reducing the crack growth relative to that of the matrix alone. The bridging stress is calculated by adding together the friction stresses, at each fibre row bridging the crack, which are assumed to be a function of crack opening displacement and sliding distance at each row. The friction stresses at each fibre row will increase as the crack propagates further until a critical level for fibre failure is reached. Fibre failure is modelled through Weibull statistics and published experimental results. Fibre failure will reduce the bridging effect and increase the crack propagation rate. Calculated fatigue lives and crack propagation rates are compared with experimental results for three different materials (32% SCS6/Ti-15-3, 32% and 38% SCS6/Ti-6-4) subjected to mode I fatigue loading. The good agreement shown by these comparisons demonstrates the applicability of the model to predict the fatigue damage in Ti-based MMCs.     

Predicting corner crack fatigue propagation from cold worked holes

We predict the fatigue propagation of corner cracks from cold worked holes using three dimensional finite element models. The models account for the through thickness variation in residual stress left after cold working. The predictions are compared to experimental results in aluminum 2024-T351 and 7075-T651. The models show the evolution of P-shaped crack fronts similar to those observed in experiments. Predictions based on the initial residual stress field left after cold working were nonconservative, predicting either slower than experimental crack growth or crack growth that arrests. Predictions based on an estimate of the stable relaxed residual stress field near the hole were conservative, and predicted 5-10 times greater life than the current Department of Defense reduced initial flaw size approach.     

FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH DUE TO TWO SUCCESSIVE SINGLE OVERLOADS

The behaviour of fatigue growth and cyclic tip deformation of long cracks due to two successive single overloads was investigated both experimentally and numerically. The results show the effect of the ratio of the second and first overloads, and the crack increment between the two overloads. The contributions of both crack tip blunting and residual stress fields were separated and accommodated in a previously developed crack tip deformation parameter, which was utilized to predict the resulting fatigue crack growth behaviour. The following trends were experimentally observed. Should the ratio of the second and first overloads not be less than one, fatigue crack growth rates followed the predictions based on the second overload. Otherwise, either of the following two situations resulted: (1) when the two overloads were closely applied, the second overload caused an initial acceleration in growth rates followed by a behaviour controlled by the first overload; (2) when the second overload was applied after the crack growth had reached its minimum rate due to the first overload, more retardation in growth rate was observed. Based on the model developed in the paper, it is possible to enhance the retardation effect of an overload if this overload is preceded by another overload. This enhancement depends on the ratio of the two overloads and the crack increment between them.     

ANAND粘塑性本构模型在热处理消除焊接残余应力效果定量评价中的应用

将ANAND粘塑性本构关系引入列焊后热处理消除残余应力的有限元计算中。计算结果表明，ANAND本构关系可以较好的模拟焊接件在热处理条件下的力学行为，采用该本构关系所计算出来的残余应力消除效果明显，Y方向的残余应力减小幅度在30％以上，而且表面的残余应力还由处理前的拉应力变为压应力。此外，该本构关系还可以进一步应用到热处理条件的优化中。     

THE INFLUENCE OF AGEING AT INTERMEDIATE TEMPERATURES ON THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR OF A DUPLEX STAINLESS STEEL: Part II. FATIGUE LIFE AND FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH

Abstract— The mechanical behaviour of AISI 329 steel has been investigated for ageing times up to 20,000 h at temperatures of 475, 425, 375, 325 and 275°C. The study has concentrated on the changes in the response to cyclic strains, in the low-and the high-cycle fatigue regimes, and in the resistance to fatigue crack propagation as a function of temperature and time of ageing.
It is shown that ageing increases the fatigue resistance in the high-cycle fatigue regime, but the opposite occurs in the low-cycle fatigue regime. Ageing increases the LEFM threshold stress intensity factor range for fatigue crack propagation which reaches high values in these alloys, and is influenced by the fatigue load ratio. Crack closure contributes to the LEFM threshold stress intensity factor range for crack propagation only in the annealed condition of the AISI 329 steel.     

外施应力与表面残余应力作用下圆柱螺旋压缩弹簧任意截面的受力分析

在对承受扭转与表面残余应力的圆柱螺旋压缩弹簧任意截面所作的应力分析的基础上得出,与弹簧线材轴线成α=135°斜截面上的为最大正应力.因此这类弹簧的疲劳开裂大多起裂于内圆表面,沿α=135°斜截面扩展并导致疲劳断裂.但表面形变强化引入表面α=45°方向的残余压应力σr,α,能有效地降低外施扭转切应力在斜截面上(α=135°)的最大正应力水平,从而使弹簧的疲劳断裂抗力得以提高.     

THE INFLUENCE OF COMPRESSIVE LOADS ON FATIGUE CRACK PROPAGATION IN METALS

An experimental study on Al alloy 7475-T7351 was conducted to determine the influence of compressive loads on fatigue crack propagation. The investigation was based on the determination of the crack propagation stress intensity factor, K_PR , under three different basic loading sequences involving compressive loads. The data of the entire experimental program collapse onto a single 'master curve' which describes K_PR as a function of K_max and the unloading ratio UR. Load interaction effects are mainly due to the changes of the residual compressive stress state in front of the crack tip, while crack closure plays a minor part. The results give an improved understanding of fatigue crack propagation.     

钛合金平板电子束焊接残余应力的小孔法测量

采用小孔法对TC11平板真空电子束焊接接头的残余应力进行了测量,结果发现,其残余应力为以纵向残余应力为主的单向拉伸应力状态,横向残余应力数值较小,同时还将测量结果与有限元结果进行对比分析,证明了有限元模型的合理性和可靠性。     

A NEW MULTIPARAMETER APPROACH TO THE PREDICTION OF FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH

A new multiparameter approach is proposed for the prediction of the combined effects of multiple variables on fatigue crack growth. The method, which is based on multiple linear regression analysis, involves the statistical formulation of mathematical expressions for the crack growth rate, da/dN, as a function of multiple variables, e.g. stress intensity factor range, ΔK, crack closure stress intensity factor, K_cl , and stress ratio, R. A general empirical approach is proposed for the estimation of the fatigue crack growth rate as a function of the above variables. The predictive capability of the empirical approach is then verified by comparing predicted and measured fatigue crack growth and crack growth rate data obtained from tests on a quenched and tempered Q1N (HY80) pressure vessel steel. Error ranges and reliability functions are presented within a probabilistic mechanics framework, and the implications of the results are discussed for the development of generalized fatigue life prediction methods.     

Numerical predictions and experimental measurements of residual stresses in fatigue crack growth specimens

Controlling macro residual stress fields in a material while preserving a desired microstructure is often a challenging proposition. Processing techniques which induce or reduce residual stresses often also alter microstructural characteristics of the material through thermo-mechanical processes. A novel mechanical technique able to generate controlled residual stresses was developed. The method is based on a pin compression approach, and was used to produce well-controlled magnitudes and distributions of residual stresses in rectangular coupons and compact tension specimens typically used in fatigue crack growth testing. Residual stresses created through this method were first computationally modeled with finite element analysis, and then experimentally reproduced with various levels of pin compression. The magnitudes and distributions of residual stresses in experimental specimens were independently assessed with fracture mechanics methods and good correspondence was found between residual stresses produced using the pin compression and processing techniques. Fatigue crack growth data generated from specimens with low residual stresses, high residual stresses resulting from processing, and high residual stresses introduced through the new pin compression technique were compared and validated. The developed method is proposed to facilitate the acquisition and analysis of fatigue crack growth data generated in residual stresses, validate residual stress corrective models, and verify fatigue crack growth simulations and life predictions in the presence of residual stresses.