Fatigue and fracture analysis of a seven-wire stainless steel strand under axial and bending loads

Abstract

Fatigue failure of cables and strands is a common and complex problem. Failure is typically caused by different combinations of time-variable bending and axial forces. In addition to these loads, contact stresses between wires may play an important role in the fatigue failure of cables. The present work aims to provide deep insight into the fatigue failure of a seven-wire stainless steel strand subjected to a combination of variable axial and bending loads. To avoid side effects in the analysis, fatigue failure of the strand close to the clamps is prevented. Several tests were performed with a new device specifically designed to avoid failure near the clamps. Thus, failure is always produced at the middle length of the specimen. Test simulations were performed by employing the finite element method. The numerical results were validated via comparisons with experimental data. Finally, life prediction curves were obtained.