An experimental linear cumulative-damage law

Abstract

An hypothesis of cumulative damage is presented that may be expressed mathematically as Σn÷Nf = constant where n is the number of cycles performed at a constant strain range and strain rate and Nf is the number of cycles to failure at the same strain range and strain rate. An initial experimental investigation at room temperature shows that, under constant strain-rate conditions, the load-sequence effect is removed, but the value of the constant is dependent on the definition of failure. If failure is defined as complete rupture the summation term is less than unity whatever the sequence of loading. Should failure be defined as the termination of the steady-state period, that is at the point of crack growth instability, then the summation term is greater than unity. This latter definition therefore leads to a linear law of cumulative damage that gives a doubly cautious prediction of life that is of obvious advantage to engineers.