On the influence of microstructural gradients in the fatigue lifetime estimation of a railway axle

Abstract

This study aims at characterizing the influence of gradients at different scales (loading, geometry, microstructure⋯) on fatigue strength through a multi-scale finite element modeling associated to several high cycle fatigue criteria. This is a necessary step in the perspective of conducting a relevant experimental campaign on notched specimen exhibiting a gradient of mechanical properties. © Owned by the authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2013.