Reconsidering the Role of Fatigue Irregular Testing in Scientific Conclusions About the Fatigue Limit

Abstract

Aim. We suggest a method of using the fatigue test in case of irregular loading for studying the key subject matters related to material fatigue, specifically those to do with fatigue limit. It is important to know the fatigue limit characteristic in order to speed up tests; in order to ensure stable and reliable servicing of machines.Methods. Comparative examinations in cases of block and random loadings enable researchers to make corresponding conclusions without excessively extending the duration of tests and without recurring to supersonic frequency tests that are to a certain degree controversial. An example of applying the proposed method is given. The second stage of fatigue, specifically the crack propagation stage, is also considered. The key idea is similar. Testing under irregular loading allows making conclusions regarding the maximum among small amplitudes that do not cause damage.Conclusions. The proposed method allows using special testing methods to obtain information that is valuable to engineers and researchers. The tests are also closer to the field conditions of machinery operation.