A cloud-based fatigue analysis tool with interactive Neuber’s master curve

Western Michigan University, Mech and Aerospace Eng., Kalamazoo, MI 49008-4353, USA

Abstract

A cloud-based fatigue analysis and life prediction tool is presented. Users around the globe may access it via Internet by means of multiple platforms such as desktop and laptop computers, tablets and/or smart-phones. It is an intuitive educational software, aimed also to assist designers in the pre-prototyping stage in fatigue life estimation for smooth or notched parts subjected to constant amplitude, block loading, and spectrum loading histories. For spectrum amplitude loading a dedicated spectrum software package is provided, which is essential for a potential clean-up and/or desired modifications of a raw spectrum data. Subsequently, a rainflow method is utilized and the corresponding hysteresis loops at the notch-root or critical “hot spot” location are determined and plotted. For notched components, an interactive Neuber’s master curve is utilized and discussed. It is shown, that the Neubers’s master curve is only material dependent and is applicable for both monotonic and cyclic loading situations.