A Simple Fatigue Life Prediction Algorithm Using the Modified NASGRO Equation

Abstract

A simple fatigue life prediction algorithm using the modified NASGRO equation is proposed in this paper. The NASGRO equation is modified by introducing the concept of intrinsic effective threshold stress intensity factor (SIF) range Δ K e f f t h. One advantage of the proposed method is that the complex growth behavior analysis of small cracks can be avoided, and then the fatigue life can be calculated by directly integrating the crack growth model from the initial defect size to the critical crack size. The fatigue limit and the intrinsic effective threshold SIF range Δ K e f f t h are used to calculate the initial defect size or initial flaw size. The value of Δ K e f f t h is determined by extrapolating the crack propagation rate curves. Instead of using the fatigue limit determined by the fatigue strength at the specific fatigue life, the fatigue limit is selected based on the horizontal tendency of the S - N curve. The calculated fatigue lives are compared to the experimental data of two different alloys. The predicted S - N curves agree with the test data well. Besides, the prediction results are compared with that calculated using the FASTRAN code. Results indicate that the proposed life prediction algorithm is simple and efficient.