Experimental investigation and model analysis of uncertain loading effect on fatigue crack growth

Zizi Lu, Jifeng Xu, Yongming Liu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

An integrated experimental and simulation approach is proposed to study the effect of loading uncertainties on the fatigue crack growth behavior of Al 7075-T6. Various loading histories, including constant amplitude loadings, single overload block loadings, and deterministic and random variable spectrum loadings are used in the current investigation. Multiple specimen tests are performed and statistical analysis is used to extract the probability distribution of crack size and fatigue life. A previously developed small time scale model is used as a mechanism model to explain the fatigue crack growth behavior under random variable amplitude loadings. Monte Carlo simulation is used for the probabilistic fatigue life prediction. Model predictions are compared with the experimental observations for model validation. It is observed that the effect of uncertain loading is different under different loading spectra. For some cases, the uncertainties of loadings have no major impact on the probabilistic life distribution. For other cases, loading uncertainties have significant impact on the scattering of the life distribution. Model analysis indicates that this behavior is mainly due to the scattering of crack opening stresses produced under different variable amplitude loading spectra.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication53rd AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference
StatePublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes
Event53rd AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference - Honolulu, HI, United States
Duration: Apr 23 2012Apr 26 2012

Publication series

NameCollection of Technical Papers - AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference
ISSN (Print)0273-4508

Other

Other53rd AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHonolulu, HI
Period4/23/124/26/12

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Architecture
  • General Materials Science
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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