Fatigue crack growth characteristics at low stress intensities of metals and alloys

Abstract

The fatigue-crack growth (fcg) behaviour of metals and alloys at low stress intensities is considered in terms of load ratio, microstructure, and environment. The behaviour of aluminium and titanium alloys and steels is examined and their mode of fcg reported. The occurrence of microstructurally sensitive fcg is considered and the conditions leading to its occurrence examined. The identity of trans granular facets formed in this region of fcg are tabulated and some of the models proposed for this phenomenon are presented. The importance of K max as a controlling influence on the growth of fatigue cracks even at low stress intensities is conveyed by the results presented.