Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Fatigue”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 271 records · Page 15

Thermographic measurement of fatigue damage

The paper presents a thermographic technique developed to measure the extent of fatigue damage in composite materials during fatigue loading. It is noted that heat generated by cyclic loading of fatigue damaged material raises the surface temperature. These temperatures were measured with an infrared camera and were used as boundary conditions in a finite element heat transfer program, which has been developed especially to calculate the extent of the heat generation zone, and thereby to define the fatigue damage zone. It is reported that the finite element program was verified by comparing calculated heat generation with the actual heat generation for a simple heat transfer problem that had a closed form solution. Damage zones are calculated for several boron/epoxy fatigue specimens from thermograms of specimens. The calculated damage zones were compared with damage detected by C-scan, X-ray, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) examinations. It is concluded that the analysis was effective in locating the boundaries of the fatigue damage zones.

Whitcomb, J. D.↗

Mechanisms of fatigue damage in boron/aluminum composites

Tensile fatigue tests were conducted on several laminates of boron/aluminum (6061-0). In laminates with 0 deg fibers on the outside, an analysis that identifies "shakedown" conditions predicted the stress amplitude below which no fatigue damage accumulated. A fatigue damage accumulation model which relates matrix fatigue cracking and the overall laminate properties is described. A model for the saturation damage stage development is presented, that identical laminates, tested in directions 90 deg apart (such that one layup has 90 deg outer plies and the other 0 deg), have different fatigue behaviors due to the stacking sequence. The 90 deg plies on the surface develop cracks earlier than predicted by shakedown. An attempt was made to explain this stacking sequence effect. Variable load history effects on the fatigue damage response were investigated. Tests reveal that for a given stress ratio the specimen seeks the saturation damage state for the largest stress range to which it is subjected. It was also found that little damage is generated by shifting a given stress range down, whereas significant damage may be created by shifting it upward. The laminate stresses were always tensile.

Johnson, W. S.↗

Statistical fatigue of unnotched composite laminates

A general analytical, phenomenological model is developed for characterizing fatigue damage accumulation in unnotched composite laminates, and experimental results are used to evaluate the model. The fatigue model, which is developed for various types of cyclic loadings, is based on the assumption that the residual strength reduction is a monotonically decreasing function of the fatigue life. Parameters are determined from baseline test data consisting of one set of residual strength data, one set of static strength data, and one set of constant amplitude fatigue life data. Once the parameters are determined, the model is able to predict: (1) the statistical distribution of the fatigue life, and the residual strength under constant and variable amplitude loads, and (2) the effect of periodic proof tests, without any additional experimental data. Experimental test results show that predictions made from the present model agree quite well with the experimental results. The model is also applicable to fatigue of bonded or bolted composite joints.

Yang, J. N.↗

The thermal fatigue resistance of H-13 Die Steel for aluminum die casting dies

The effects of welding, five selected surface coatings, and stress relieving on the thermal fatigue resistance of H-13 Die Steel for aluminum die casting dies were studied using eleven thermal fatigue specimens. Stress relieving was conducted after each 5,000 cycle interval at 1050 F for three hours. Four thermal fatigue specimens were welded with H-13 or maraging steel welding rods at ambient and elevated temperatures and subsequently, subjected to different post-weld heat treatments. Crack patterns were examined at 5,000, 10,000, and 15,000 cycles. The thermal fatigue resistance is expressed by two crack parameters which are the average maximum crack and the average cracked area. The results indicate that a significant improvement in thermal fatigue resistance over the control was obtained from the stress-relieving treatment. Small improvements were obtained from the H-13 welded specimens and from a salt bath nitrogen and carbon-surface treatment. The other surface treatments and welded specimens either did not affect or had a detrimental influence on the thermal fatigue properties of the H-13 die steel.

Source record↗

Fatigue crack initiation and propagation in several nickel-base superalloys at 650 C

The modes of crack initiation and propagation of several nickel-base superalloys have been examined after fatigue and creep-fatigue testing at 650 C. In fatigue, crack initiation was transgranular and frequently associated with porosity or inclusions in the higher strength alloys. These defects were usually located at the surface, except for tests at low strain ranges where larger, internal defects often initiated failure. Although fatigue crack initiation was transgranular, in those alloys with grain sizes of less than 15 microns, fatigue crack growth quickly became intergranular. This transition was environmentally assisted and did not occur for subsurface cracks until the crack broke through to the atmosphere. In the creep-fatigue cycle, which included a 900 s tensile dwell, crack initiation and propagation were both intergranular in all alloys.

Gayda, J.↗

A review of modern approaches to fatigue reliability analysis and design

Metal fatigue is a principal mode of failure in components of mechanical systems. But fatigue design factors (e.g., stress, fatigue strength) are subject to considerable uncertainty. Therefore, relative to fatigue, reliability methods are appropriate for purposes of safety checking of designs, risk assessment, failure analysis, and development of code statements. Described herein are four methods which can be effectively employed for fatigue reliability analysis, (1) Monte Carlo methods, (2) the lognormal format, (3) the Weibull format, (4) the Rackwitz-Fiessler algorithm. Examples of the application of each are presented. In summary, no general reliability method can be recommended for all situations involving fatigue. The approach has to be tailored to the problem.

Wirsching, P. H.↗

Dynamic response and acoustic fatigue of stiffened composite structure

The results of acoustic fatigue and dynamic response tests performed on L-1011 graphite-epoxy (GrE) aileron and panel components are reported. The aileron featured glass microballoons between the GrE skins. Tests yielded random fatigue data from double and single cantilever coupons and modal data from impedance hammer and loudspeaker impulses. Numerical and sample test data were obtained on combined acoustic and shear loads, acoustic and thermal loads, random fatigue and damping of the integrally stiffened and secondary bonded panels. The fatigue data indicate a fatigue life beyond 10 million cycles. The acoustic data suggested that noise transmission could be enhanced in the integrally stiffened panels, which were more acoustic-fatigue resistant than were the secondary bonded panels.

Soovere, J.↗

Fatigue of graphite/epoxy buffer strip panels with center cracks

The effects of fatigue loading on the behavior of graphite/epoxy panels with either S-Glass or Kevlar-49 buffer strips is studied. Buffer strip panels are fatigued and tested in tension to measure their residual strength with crack-like damage. Panels are made with 45/0/-45/90 sub 2s layup with either S-Glass or Kevlar-49 buffer strip material. The buffer strips are parallel to the loading direction and made by replacing narrow strips of the 0-degree graphite plies with strips of either 0-degree S-Glass/epoxy or Kevlar-49/epoxy on a one-for-one basis. The panels are subjected to a fatigue loading spectrum MINITWIST, the shortened version of the standardized load program for the wing lower surface of a transport aircraft. Two levels of maximum strain are used in the spectrum with three durations of the fatigue spectrum. One group of panels is preloaded prior to the application of the fatigue cycling. The preload consists of statistically loading the spectrum in tension until the crack-tip damage zone reaches the ajacent buffer strips. After fatigue loading, all specimens are statistically loaded in tension to failure to determine their residual strengths.

Bigelow, C. A.↗

Surface fatigue life and failure characteristics of EX-53, CBS 1000M, and AISI 9310 gear materials

Spur gear endurance tests and rolling-element surface fatigue tests are conducted to investigate EX-53 and CBS 1000M steels for use as advanced application gear materials, to determine their endurance characteristics, and to compare the results with the standard AISI 9310 gear material. The gear pitch diameter is 8.89 cm (3.50 in). Gear test conditions are an oil inlet temperature of 320 K (116 F), an oil outlet temperature of 350 K (170 F), a maximum Hertz stress of 1.71 GPa (248 ksi), and a speed of 10,000 rpm. Bench-type rolling-element fatigue tests are conducted at ambient temperature with a bar specimen speed of 12,500 rpm and a maximum Hertz stress of 4.83 GPa (700 ksi). The EX-53 test gears have a surface fatigue life of twice that of the AISI 9310 spur gears. The CBS 1000M test gears have a surface fatigue life of more than twice that of the AISI 9310 spur gears. However, the CBS 1000M gears experience a 30-percent tooth fracture failure which limits its use as a gear material. The rolling-contact fatigue lines of RC bar specimens of EX-53 and ASISI 9310 are approximately equal. However, the CBS 1000M RC specimens have a surface fatigue life of about 50 percent that of the AISI 9310.

Townsend, D. P.↗

Grain boundary oxidation and oxidation accelerated fatigue crack nucleation and propagation

Fatigue life at elevated temperatures is often shortened by oxidation. Grain boundary oxidation penetrates deeper than the surface oxidation. Therefore, grain boundary oxide penetration could be the primary cause of accelerated fatigue crack nucleation and propagation, and the shortened fatigue life at elevated temperatures. Grain boundary oxidation kinetics was studied and its statistical scatter was analyzed by the Weibull's distribution function. The effects of grain boundary oxidation on shortened fatigue life was analyzed and discussed. A model of intermittent microruptures of the grain boundary oxide was proposed for the fatigue crack growth in the low frequency region. The proposed model is consistent with the observations that fatigue crack growth rate in the low frequency region with hold time at K sub max is inversely proportional to cyclic frequency and that crack growth is intergranular.

Liu, H. W.↗

Creep-fatigue behavior of NiCoCrAlY coated PWA 1480

This study of high-temperature fatigue and creep-fatigue behavior is part of a program to identify the basic features of the effects of temperature, creep, fatigue, and environment on the behavior of a single crystal superalloy, a bulk coating alloy, and a coated alloy system. A system was selected which has had considerable production experience: the Ni-base superalloy, PWA 1480, and the NiCoCrAlY coating, PWA 276. Isothermal behavior was studied first. A series of fatigue and creep fatigue tests of the types commonly designated as pp, cp, pc and cc were conducted. These tests were conducted at various constant total strain ranges. The creep-fatigue cycles employed constant stress dwells at the maximum and/or minimum load. Test results are given.

Miner, R. V.↗

Grain boundary oxidation and low-cycle fatigue at elevated temperatures

Fatigue life consists of fatigue crack nucleation and propagation periods. In order to predict fatigue life accurately, a methodology for the quantitative assessment of these two fatigue damage processes had to be devised. Grain boundary oxidation penetrates faster than does oxidation within a grain. This faster oxidation penetration causes intergranular fatigue failures at elevated temperatures. Grain boundary oxidation accelerates both crack nucleation and propagation. Grain boundary oxidation kinetics and the statistical distribution of grain boundary oxide penetration depth were measured. Quantitative applications of the grain boundary oxidation kinetics to fatigue crack nucleation and propagation were analyzed. A method, based on the Weibull distribution, of extrapolating the laboratory oxidation data measured with small samples to large engineering structures is presented.

Liu, H. W.↗

Effect of electric discharge machining on the fatigue life of Inconel 718

The effect of electric discharge machining on the fatigue life of Inconel 718 alloy at room temperature was investigated. Data were generated in the uniaxial tension fatigue mode at ambient temperature using flat 3.175 mm thick specimens. The specimens were machined on a wire-cut electric discharge machine at cutting speeds ranging from 0.5 to 2 mm per minute. The specimens were fatigued at a selected stress, and the resulting fatigue lives compared with that of the virgin material. The surfaces of the fatigued specimens were examined under optical and scanning electron microscopes, and the roughness of the surfaces was measured using a standard profilometer. From the results of the investigation, it was concluded that the fatigue life of the specimens machined using EDM decreased slightly as compared with that of the virgin material, but remained unchanged as the cutting speed was changed. The results are explained using data produced employing microhardness measurements, profilometry, and optical and scanning microscopy.

Jeelani, S.↗

Fatigue life prediction modeling for turbine hot section materials

A major objective of the fatigue and fracture efforts under the Hot Section Technology (HOST) program was to significantly improve the analytic life prediction tools used by the aeronautical gas turbine engine industry. This was achieved in the areas of high-temperature thermal and mechanical fatigue of bare and coated high-temperature superalloys. The cyclic crack initiation and propagation resistance of nominally isotropic polycrystalline and highly anisotropic single crystal alloys were addressed. Life prediction modeling efforts were devoted to creep-fatigue interaction, oxidation, coatings interactions, multiaxiality of stress-strain states, mean stress effects, cumulative damage, and thermomechanical fatigue. The fatigue crack initiation life models developed to date include the Cyclic Damage Accumulation (CDA) and the Total Strain Version of Strainrange Partitioning (TS-SRP) for nominally isotropic materials, and the Tensile Hysteretic Energy Model for anisotropic superalloys. A fatigue model is being developed based upon the concepts of Path-Independent Integrals (PII) for describing cyclic crack growth under complex nonlinear response at the crack tip due to thermomechanical loading conditions. A micromechanistic oxidation crack extension model was derived. The models are described and discussed.

Halford, G. R.↗

Grain boundary oxidation and its effects on high temperature fatigue life

Fatigue lives at elevated temperatures are often shortened by creep and/or oxidation. Creep causes grain boundary void nucleation and grain boundary cavitation. Grain boundary voids and cavities will accelerate fatigue crack nucleation and propagation, and thereby shorten fatigue life. The functional relationships between the damage rate of fatigue crack nucleation and propagation and the kinetic process of oxygen diffusion depend on the detailed physical processes. The kinetics of grain boundary oxidation penetration was investigated. The statistical distribution of grain boundary penetration depth was analyzed. Its effect on high temperature fatigue life are discussed. A model of intermittent micro-ruptures of grain boundary oxide was proposed for high temperature fatigue crack growth. The details of these studies are reported.

Liu, H. W.↗

Fatigue life prediction modeling for turbine hot section materials

A major objective of the fatigue and fracture efforts under the NASA Hot Section Technology (HOST) program was to significantly improve the analytic life prediction tools used by the aeronautical gas turbine engine industry. This was achieved in the areas of high-temperature thermal and mechanical fatigue of bare and coated high-temperature superalloys. The cyclic crack initiation and propagation resistance of nominally isotropic polycrystalline and highly anisotropic single crystal alloys were addressed. Life prediction modeling efforts were devoted to creep-fatigue interaction, oxidation, coatings interactions, multiaxiality of stress-strain states, mean stress effects, cumulative damage, and thermomechanical fatigue. The fatigue crack initiation life models developed to date include the Cyclic Damage Accumulation (CDA) and the Total Strain Version of Strainrange Partitioning (TS-SRP) for nominally isotropic materials, and the Tensile Hysteretic Energy Model for anisotropic superalloys. A fatigue model is being developed based upon the concepts of Path-Independent Integrals (PII) for describing cyclic crack growth under complex nonlinear response at the crack tip due to thermomechanical loading conditions. A micromechanistic oxidation crack extension model was derived. The models are described and discussed.

G R Halford↗

The isothermal fatigue behavior of a unidirectional SiC/Ti composite and the Ti alloy matrix

The high temperature fatigue behavior of a metal matrix composite (MMC) consisting of Ti-15V-3Cr-3Al-3Sn (Ti-15-3) matrix reinforced by 33 vol percent of continuous unidirectional SiC fibers was experimentally and analytically evaluated. Isothermal MMC fatigue tests with constant amplitude loading parallel to the fiber direction were performed at 300 and 550 C. Comparative fatigue tests of the Ti-15-3 matrix alloy were also conducted. Composite fatigue behavior and the in-situ stress state of the fiber and matrix were analyzed with a micromechanical model, the Concentric Cylinder Model (CCM). The cyclic stress-strain response of the composite was stable at 300 C. However, an increase in cyclic mean strain foreshortened MMC fatigue life at high strain ranges at 550 C. Fatigue tests of the matrix alloy and CCM analyses indicated this response was associated with stress relaxation of the matrix in the composite.

Gayda, John, Jr.↗

Mechanics of fatigue crack closure

Papers are presented on plasticity induced crack closure, crack closure in fatigue crack growth, the dependence of crack closure on fatigue loading variables, and a procedure for standardizing crack closure levels. Also considered are a statistical approach to crack closure determination, the crack closure behavior of surface cracks under pure bending, closure measurements on short fatigue cracks, and crack closure under plane strain conditions. Other topics include fatigue crack closure behavior at high stress ratios, the use of acoustic waves for the characterization of closed fatigue cracks, and the influence of fatigue crack wake length and state of stress on crack closure.

Newman, J. C., Jr.↗