Application of the S-N Curve Mean Stress Correction Model in Terms of Fatigue Life Estimation for Random Torsional Loading for Selected Aluminum Alloys

The paper presents the experimental fatigue test results for cyclic constant amplitude loading conditions for the case of the torsion of the PA4 (AW-6082-T6), PA6 (AW-2017A-T4) and PA7 (AW-2024-T3) aluminum alloy for a drilled diabolo type test specimen. The tests have been performed for the stress asymmetry ratios R = -1, R = -0.7, R = -0.5 and R = -0.3. The experimental results have been used in the process of a fatigue life estimation performed for a random generated narrowband stress signal with a zero and a non-zero global mean stress value. The calculations have been performed within the time domain with the use of the rainflow cycle counting method and the Palmgren-Miner damage hypothesis. The mean stress compensation has been performed with the S-N curve mean stress model proposed by Niesłony and Böhm. The model has been modified in terms of torsional loading conditions. In order to obtain an appropriate R = 0 ratio S-N curve fatigue strength amplitude, the Smith-Watson-Topper model was used and compared with literature fatigue strength amplitudes. The presented solution extends the use of the correction model in terms of the torsional loading condition in order to obtain new S-N curves for other R values on the basis of the R = -1 results. The work includes the computational results for new fatigue curves with and without the mean stress effect correction. The results of the computations show that the mean stress effect plays a major role in the fatigue life assessment of the tested aluminum alloys and that the method can be used to assess the fatigue life under random conditions.

Keywords: AW-2017A-T4; AW-2024-T3; AW-6082-T6; S-N curve; aluminum alloys; fatigue of materials; mean stress.