MODELLING RESIDUAL STRESSES AND FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH AT COLD‐EXPANDED FASTENER HOLES

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes a model developed for predicting residual stresses and crack growth in residual stress fields, and the application of the model to crack growth from cold‐worked fastener holes in thick section aircraft components. Comparison with experimental results demonstrates that the model can provide useful predictions of critical crack length, and a capability for correctly predicting the maxima and minima in the crack growth rate for cracks from cold‐expanded holes. It also permits the observed asymmetry in cracking from cold‐worked fastener holes to be better understood.