Output details

Experimental measurement of crack opening and closure loads for 6082-t6 aluminium subjected to periodic single and block overloads and underloads

Fatigue accounts for 90% of mechanical failures and its understanding is therefore important for a wide range of industries. The right method to predict crack growth is controversial as there are two opposing theories. This paper utilizes an optical method to remove crack measurement discrepancies and provides crack growth data for variable amplitude loading and long crack lengths, which up to now have been limited. The results obtained give insight into the significance of periodic loading and interaction effects on crack growth retardation. The data are useful for the validation of numerical and analytical codes and supports the crack closure theory.