Numerical study of fatigue damage under random loading using rainflow cycle counting

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this scientific work is to simulate the fatigue damage under random loading taking into account the mean stress effect on fatigue lifetime and using the rainflow counting technique to assess the fatigue damage.Design/methodology/approachThe study of fatigue under random loading is based on same concepts which as constant loading with addition of damage summation. The damage of materials due a stress cycle depends not only on the alternating stress but also on the mean stress.FindingsThe cycles counting simulation method allows quantifying the hysteresis loops, even if for small amplitude stresses.Originality/valueThe cycles are low or medium; the damage occurs most often, the higher values of alternating stresses cause the most failure of materials.