Numerical modeling the effects of overloading and underloading in fatigue crack growth

In this paper, the effects of overloading and underloading on fatigue crack growth were investigated. Numerical modeling was done by using finite element software. In this software, without using the remeshing technique, effect of crack tip plasticity in fatigue crack growth life was analyzed. Plasticity effects were considered by using three methods: COD method, U correction factor and J-integral. Calculated results for crack growth rates were compared with experimental data in literature. Results were obtained by COD method and U correction factor have good agreement but results form J-integral have not. We also study the effects of stress ratio (R) in plane stress and plane strain conditions. With increasing R, the fatigue life was increased. The extent of crack retardation is greater under plane stress than plane strain conditions. Underloading has not significant effects on fatigue crack growth rate. Underloading cause a little variation in plastic zones and so little effects on fatigue life.