A unified time dependent model for low cycle fatigue and ratchetting failure based on microcrack growth

In this paper, a unified time dependent model for low cycle fatigue and ratchetting failure has been developed based on the microcrack growth. The model utilized fracture mechanics theory using J-integral under creep–fatigue loading and assumed that the microcrack propagation determines the failure life. The microcrack rates are separated into three parts: (1) the time independent fatigue crack growth, (2) the time dependent fatigue crack growth and (3) the time dependent ratchetting crack growth. The cyclic failure criteria under different loading conditions were derived from the microcrack growth. Some simplified models were obtained and they can characterize the time dependent low cycle and ratchetting failure lives with hold time and loading frequency effects.