Advanced life prediction by microstructural simulation of short cracks in a low carbon steel

This paper deals with life prediction by observation and simulation of short fatigue cracks in cyclically loaded smooth and notched specimens made of 0.15 wt-% carbon steel SAE1017. The measured crack behaviour was simulated in a microstructural environment. Reference tests under constant amplitude loading allowed to determine model parameters and hence a reasonable life prediction by simulation resulted even for service loading. Short crack behaviour was a measurable property for damage also to compare smooth and notched specimens.