An Interactive Web-based Tool for Fatigue Analysis and Life Prediction

Abstract

This paper presents an interactive web-based tool for fatigue analysis and life prediction methodology of smooth and notched components. Users around the globe may access it via Internet by means of multiple platforms such as desktop and laptop computers, tablets and/or smart-phones. In particular, the users with a limited fatigue background would benefit from “on-the-fly” fatigue learning experience. It makes a self-explanatory and frustration free web-based education software, which allows users to learn the fatigue fundamentals while expanding their knowledge on modern fatigue analysis methods. The tool is aimed to assist a designer in fatigue analysis and file predictions of parts subjected to constant amplitude, block loading, and variable loading histories. For variable amplitude loading a dedicated spectrum software package is provided, which is essential for a potential clean-up and/or desired modifications of a raw spectrum data. Subsequently, a rainflow method is utilized and the corresponding hysteresis loops at the notch-root or critical location are determined and plotted. In analyses, three convenient and innovative “master curves” techniques are used, namely for Neuber's rule and also for stress- and strain-based fatigue life approaches.