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Article
Publication date: 11 August 2023

Jianhui Liu, Ziyang Zhang, Longxiang Zhu, Jie Wang and Yingbao He

Due to the limitation of experimental conditions and budget, fatigue data of mechanical components are often scarce in practical engineering, which leads to low reliability of…

Abstract

Purpose

Due to the limitation of experimental conditions and budget, fatigue data of mechanical components are often scarce in practical engineering, which leads to low reliability of fatigue data and reduces the accuracy of fatigue life prediction. Therefore, this study aims to expand the available fatigue data and verify its reliability, enabling the achievement of life prediction analysis at different stress levels.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the principle of fatigue life probability percentiles consistency and the perturbation optimization technique is used to realize the equivalent conversion of small samples fatigue life test data at different stress levels. Meanwhile, checking failure model by fitting the goodness of fit test and proposing a Monte Carlo method based on the data distribution characteristics and a numerical simulation strategy of directional sampling is used to extend equivalent data. Furthermore, the relationship between effective stress and characteristic life is analyzed using a combination of the Weibull distribution and the Stromeyer equation. An iterative sequence is established to obtain predicted life.

Findings

The TC4–DT titanium alloy is selected to assess the accuracy and reliability of the proposed method and the results show that predicted life obtained with the proposed method is within the double dispersion band, indicating high accuracy.

Originality/value

The purpose of this study is to provide a reference for the expansion of small sample fatigue test data, verification of data reliability and prediction of fatigue life data. In addition, the proposed method provides a theoretical basis for engineering applications.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 14 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 October 2023

Yaobing Wei, Yanan Li, Jianhui Liu, Gai Wang, Yanlei Guo and Xuemei Pan

In practical engineering, oil filters often work under asymmetric cyclic loading. In order to improve the prediction accuracy of fatigue life of the oil filters under asymmetric…

Abstract

Purpose

In practical engineering, oil filters often work under asymmetric cyclic loading. In order to improve the prediction accuracy of fatigue life of the oil filters under asymmetric cyclic loading, the effect of strain ratio and low cycle fatigue plastic deformation on fatigue life need to be considered. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned objective.

Design/methodology/approach

First, strain-controlled fatigue tests with strain ratios of 0, 0.5 and −1 were carried out on the oil filter material 2A70-T6 aluminum alloy, and the test data were used to obtain strain fatigue life curves at three strain ratios. Then, based on the idea of the constant life curve method, the average value of the ratio of the strain amplitude corresponding to different strain ratios under the same partial life was defined as the strain ratio factor. Finally, the elastic-plastic factor was modified by the strain ratio factor, and a new fatigue life prediction model considering the effect of strain ratio was proposed.

Findings

The proposed model was validated, respectively, by fatigue test data of 2A70-T6 aluminum alloy, 2124-T851 aluminum alloy and oil filter and the results of the proposed model were compared with the Coffin–Manson equation, Morrow model and Smith–Watson–Topper (SWT) model, showing that the proposed model had higher applicability and accuracy.

Originality/value

In this work, a strain ratio factor is established based on the idea of the constant life curve method, and the strain ratio factor is used to modify the introduced elastic-plastic factor, and then a new fatigue life prediction model considering the influence of strain ratio and low cycle fatigue plastic deformation on material fatigue damage accumulation is proposed. The results show that the prediction results of the proposed model are in good agreement with the experimental data, and the proposed model has good fatigue life prediction ability considering the influence of strain ratio and lays a foundation for the fatigue life prediction of the oil filter.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 14 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 September 2023

Xintian Liu and Muzhou Ma

Scholars mainly propose and establish theoretical models of cumulative fatigue damage for their research fields. This review aims to select the applicable model from many fatigue…

Abstract

Purpose

Scholars mainly propose and establish theoretical models of cumulative fatigue damage for their research fields. This review aims to select the applicable model from many fatigue damage models according to the actual situation. However, relatively few models can be generally accepted and widely used.

Design/methodology/approach

This review introduces the development of cumulative damage theory. Then, several typical models are selected from linear and nonlinear cumulative damage models to perform data analyses and obtain the fatigue life for the metal.

Findings

Considering the energy law and strength degradation, the nonlinear fatigue cumulative damage model can better reflect the fatigue damage under constant and multi-stage variable amplitude loading. In the following research, the complex uncertainty of the model in the fatigue damage process can be considered, as well as the combination of advanced machine learning techniques to reduce the prediction error.

Originality/value

This review compares the advantages and disadvantages of various mainstream cumulative damage research methods. It provides a reference for further research into the theories of cumulative fatigue damage.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 14 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 March 2024

Qiuchen Zhao, Xue Li, Junchao Hu, Yuehui Jiang, Kun Yang and Qingyuan Wang

The purpose of this paper is to determine the ultra-high cycle fatigue behavior and ultra-slow crack propagation behavior of selective laser melting (SLM) AlSi7Mg alloy under…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the ultra-high cycle fatigue behavior and ultra-slow crack propagation behavior of selective laser melting (SLM) AlSi7Mg alloy under as-built conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Constant amplitude and two-step variable amplitude fatigue tests were carried out using ultrasonic fatigue equipment. The fracture surface of the failure specimen was quantitatively analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Findings

The results show that the competition of surface and interior crack initiation modes leads to a duplex S–N curve. Both manufacturing defects (such as the lack of fusion) and inclusions can act as initially fatal fatigue microcracks, and the fatigue sensitivity level decreases with the location, size and type of the maximum defects.

Originality/value

The research results play a certain role in understanding the ultra-high cycle fatigue behavior of additive manufacturing aluminum alloys. It can provide reference for improving the process parameters of SLM technology.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 November 2023

Shun-Peng Zhu, Xiaopeng Niu, Behrooz Keshtegar, Changqi Luo and Mansour Bagheri

The multisource uncertainties, including material dispersion, load fluctuation and geometrical tolerance, have crucial effects on fatigue performance of turbine bladed disks. In…

Abstract

Purpose

The multisource uncertainties, including material dispersion, load fluctuation and geometrical tolerance, have crucial effects on fatigue performance of turbine bladed disks. In view of the aim of this paper, it is essential to develop an advanced approach to efficiently quantify their influences and evaluate the fatigue life of turbine bladed disks.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a novel combined machine learning strategy is performed to fatigue assessment of turbine bladed disks. Proposed model consists of two modeling phases in terms of response surface method (RSM) and support vector regression (SVR), namely RSM-SVR. Two different input sets obtained from basic variables were used as the inputs of RSM, then the predicted results by RSM in first phase is used as inputs of SVR model by using a group data-handling strategy. By this way, the nonlinear flexibility of SVR inputs is improved and RSM-SVR model presents the high-tendency and efficiency characteristics.

Findings

The accuracy and tendency of the RSM-SVR model, applied to the fatigue life estimation of turbine bladed disks, are validated. The results indicate that the proposed model is capable of accurately simulating the nonlinear response of turbine bladed disks under multisource uncertainties, and SVR-RSM model provides an accurate prediction strategy compared to RSM and SVR for fatigue analysis of complex structures.

Originality/value

The results indicate that the proposed model is capable of accurately simulate the nonlinear response of turbine bladed disks under multisource uncertainties, and SVR-RSM model provides an accurate prediction compared to RSM and SVRE for fatigue analysis of turbine bladed disk.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 14 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 January 2024

Shengfu Xue, Zhengping He, Bingzhi Chen and Jianxin Xu

This study investigates the fitting techniques for notch fatigue curves, seeking a more reliable method to predict the lifespan of welded structures.

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates the fitting techniques for notch fatigue curves, seeking a more reliable method to predict the lifespan of welded structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on the fatigue test results of butt and cruciform joints, this research delves into the selection of fitting methods for the notch fatigue curve of welded joints. Both empirical formula and finite element methods (FEMs) were employed to assess the notch stress concentration factor at the toe and root of the two types of welded joints. Considering the mean stress correction and weld misalignment coefficients, the notch fatigue life curves were established using both direct and indirect methods.

Findings

An engineering example was employed to discern the differences between the direct and indirect approaches. The findings highlight the enhanced reliability of the indirect method for fitting the fatigue life curve.

Originality/value

While the notch stress approach is extensively adopted due to its accurate prediction of component fatigue life, most scholars have overlooked the importance of its curve fitting methods. Existing literature scantily addresses the establishment of these curves. This paper offers a focused examination of fatigue curve fitting techniques, delivering valuable perspectives on method selection.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 December 2023

Akash Gupta and Manjeet Singh

This study aims to evaluate the failure behavior of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy (GFRE) laminate subjected to cyclic loading conditions. It involves experimental investigation and…

23

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the failure behavior of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy (GFRE) laminate subjected to cyclic loading conditions. It involves experimental investigation and statistical analysis using Weibull distribution to characterize the failure behavior of the GFRE composite laminate.

Design/methodology/approach

Fatigue tests were conducted using a tension–tension loading scheme at a frequency of 2 Hz and a loading ratio (R) of 0.1. The tests were performed at five different stress levels, corresponding to 50%–90% of the ultimate tensile strength (UTS). Failure behavior was assessed through cyclic stress-strain hysteresis plots, dynamic modulus behavior and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of fracture surfaces.

Findings

The study identified common modes of failure, including fiber pullouts, fiber breakage and matrix cracking. At low stress levels, fiber breakage, matrix cracking and fiber pullouts occurred due to high shear stresses at the fiber–matrix interface. Conversely, at high stress levels, fiber breakage and matrix cracking predominated. Higher stress levels led to larger stress-strain hysteresis loops, indicating increased energy dissipation during cyclic loading. High stress levels were associated with a more significant decrease in stiffness over time, implying a shorter fatigue life, while lower stress levels resulted in a gradual decline in stiffness, leading to extended fatigue life.

Originality/value

This study makes a valuable contribution to understanding fatigue behavior under tension–tension loading conditions, coupled with an in-depth analysis of the failure mechanism in GFRE composite laminate at different stress levels. The fatigue behavior is scrutinized through stress-strain hysteresis plots and dynamic modulus versus normalized cycles plots. Furthermore, the characterization of the failure mechanism is enhanced by using SEM imaging of fractured specimens. The Weibull distribution approach is used to obtain a reliable estimate of fatigue life.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 July 2023

Xuemei Pan, Jianhui Liu, Youtang Li, Feilong Hua, Xiaochuang Chen and Zhen Zhang

The stress state near the notch affects fatigue damage directly, but quantifying the stress field is difficult. The purpose of this study is to provide a mathematical description…

Abstract

Purpose

The stress state near the notch affects fatigue damage directly, but quantifying the stress field is difficult. The purpose of this study is to provide a mathematical description method of the stress field near the notch to achieve a reliable assessment of the fatigue life of notched specimens.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the stress distribution of notched specimens of different materials and shapes under different stress levels is investigated, and a method for calculating the stress gradient impact factor is presented. Then, the newly defined stress gradient impact factor is used to describe the stress field near the notch, and an expression for the stress at any point along a specified path is developed. Furthermore, by combining the mathematical expressions for the stress field near the notch, a multiaxial fatigue life prediction model for notched shaft specimens is established based on the damage mechanics theory and closed solution method.

Findings

The stress gradient factor for notched specimens with higher stress concentration factors (V60-notch, V90-notch) varies to a certain extent when the external load and material change, but for notched specimens with relatively lower stress concentration factors (C-notch, U-notch, stepped shaft), the stress gradient factor hardly varies with the change in load and material, indicating that the shape of the notch has a greater influence on the stress gradient. It is also found that the effect of size on the stress gradient factor is not obvious for notched specimens with different shapes, there is an obvious positive correlation between the normal stress gradient factor and the normal stress concentration factor compared with the relationship between the shear stress gradient factor and the stress concentration factor. Moreover, the predicted results of the proposed model are in better agreement with the experimental results of five kinds of materials compared with the FS model, the SWT model, and the Manson–Coffin equation.

Originality/value

In this paper, a new stress gradient factor is defined based on the stress distribution of a smooth specimen. Then, a mathematical description of the stress field near the notch is provided, which contains the nominal stress, notch size, and stress concentration factor which is calculated by the finite element method (FEM). In addition, a multiaxial fatigue life prediction model for shaft specimens with different notch shapes is established with the newly established expressions based on the theory of damage mechanics and the closed solution method.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 14 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2023

Min Zhan, Yajun Dai, Chang Liu, Xiangyu Wang, Lang Li, Yongjie Liu, Chao He and Qingyuan Wang

The purpose of this paper is to determine (1) the relationship between microstructure and fatigue cracking behavior and (2) effect of rolling on the process of crack initiation…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine (1) the relationship between microstructure and fatigue cracking behavior and (2) effect of rolling on the process of crack initiation and propagation in FeCrAl alloys.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative and quantitative fracture studies were performed using scanning electron microscopy and the non-contact optical measurement system (IFMG5).

Findings

The results show that the formation of facets, rough facets and parallel stripes in the crack initiation and early crack propagation zones are closely related to the sensitivity of crack behavior to the microstructure of the material. Besides, the rolling process has a significant influence on the small crack initiation and propagation behavior. Quantitative analysis demonstrates that the size of the stress intensity factor and plastic zone size in the rough zone is associated with the rolling process.

Originality/value

The findings of this study have the potential to enhance the understanding of the microstructural crack formation mechanisms in FeCrAl alloys and shed light on the impact of rolling on the long-term and ultra-long fatigue behavior of these alloys. This new knowledge is vital for improving manufacturing processes and ensuring the safety and reliability of FeCrAl alloys used in nuclear industry applications.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 14 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 23 November 2023

Xiaochen Ju

This research addresses the diverse characteristics of existing railway steel bridges in China, including variations in construction age, design standards, structural types…

Abstract

Purpose

This research addresses the diverse characteristics of existing railway steel bridges in China, including variations in construction age, design standards, structural types, manufacturing processes, materials and service conditions. It also focuses on prominent defects and challenges related to heavy transportation conditions, particularly low live haul reserves and severe fatigue problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The study encompasses three key aspects: (1) Adaptability assessment: It begins with assessing the suitability of existing railway steel bridges for heavy-haul operations through comprehensive analyses, experiments and engineering applications. (2) Strengthening: To combat frequent crack defects in the vertical stiffener end structure of girder webs, fatigue performance tests and reinforcement scheme experiments were conducted. These experiments included the development of a hot-spot stress S-N curve for this structure, validating the effectiveness of methods like crack stop holes, ultrasonic hammering and flange angle steel. (3) Service life extension: Research on the cruciform welded joint structure (non-fusion transfer type) focused on fatigue performance over the long life cycle. This led to the establishment of a fatigue S-N curve, enhancing Chinese design codes.

Findings

The research achieved several significant outcomes: (1) Successful implementation of strengthening and retrofitting measures on a 64-m single-span double-track railway steel truss girder on an existing heavy-duty line. (2) Post-reinforcement, a substantial 26% to 32% reduction in live haul stress on bridge members was achieved. (3) The strengthening and retrofitting efforts met design expectations, enabling the bridge to accommodate vehicles with a 30-ton axle haul on the railway line.

Originality/value

This research systematically tackles challenges and defects associated with Chinese existing railway steel bridges, providing valuable insights into adaptability assessment, strengthening techniques and service life extension methods. Furthermore, the development of fatigue S-N curves and the successful implementation of bridge enhancements have practical implications for improving the resilience and operational capacity of railway steel bridges in China.

Details

Railway Sciences, vol. 2 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-0907

Keywords

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