Abstract: | The article discusses the problem related to estimating fatigue life of elements containing stress concentrators. The algorithm for estimating fatigue life presented in this work uses a fictitious ray based on the Neuber method. The proposed algorithm takes into account the variability of microstructural length, which depends on the number of failure cycles. The function thus obtained can be used to select the appropriate value for this length, which simplifies the calculation procedure needed to estimate fatigue life. In addition, this work includes an analysis of the impact of variable cutout geometry on the value of the support coefficient. As a result, it was possible to extend the application of this concept to lower fatigue life values and to structural elements with different notch geometries. The method was verified by performing experiments using elements made of three steel grades. A good correlation between calculation and experimental results was obtained. |