Author(s)

C. Calì, R. Citarella & M. Perrella

Abstract

Crack growth under general load spectrum: numerical simulation and experimental tests C. Cali, R. Citarella, M. Perrella Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Salerno, Italy Abstract Experimental observations of three- and two-dimensional fatigue crack growth are compared to numerical predictions obtained by the computer code BEASY, which is based on Dual Boundary Element Method (DBEM). General modelling capabilities are allowed by this approach, with the allowance for general crack front shape and a fully automatic propagation process. A part-through comer crack is initiated on a pre-notched specimen undergoing a traction fatigue load, as defined by a general load spectrum. Experimental tests on a fatigue machine are carried out in order to validate the numerical simulation and to provide the necessary material fatigue data for the aluminium plates. By means of a nonlinear regression analysis, applied on in house obtained experimental data, the material parameters for the NASGRO

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