Local strain energy density approach to assess the fatigue strength of sharp and blunt V-notches in cast steel

Abstract

In this work, the strain energy density approach (SED) is utilized to assess the fatigue strength of circumferential V-notched specimens covering axial loading and rotating bending. Subsequent calculations of the linear-elastic SED lead to a statistical proven accordance among about one-hundred experimental tests, thereby introducing extended H-function values for increased Rc to ρ values as well. Furthermore, low-cycle fatigue tests are conducted and utilized in an extensive elasto-plastic SED assessment. Thus, the scatter index of the evaluated equivalent strain energy density is reduced towards a ratio of about two. Concluding, the finite-volume-based energy approach provides an engineering-applicable fatigue assessment tool.