The frequency effect on the fatigue crack growth rate of 304 stainless steel

Under cyclic loading condition, the fatigue crack growth (FCG) rate governed by stress intensity factor and stress ratio is well known: Walkerʹs equation, formanʹs equalion and Elberʹs equation are typical formulae to describe the fatigue crack growth rate. However, the loading frequency effect on the fatigue crack growth rate has yet to be explored. Recently, studies have focused on the loading frequency effect on some visco-clastic materials, and have provided a clearer understanding of the frequency effect on the fatigue crack growth rate. Tn a physical sense, knowledge about lhe loading frequency effect on the fatigue crack growth rate for 304 stainless steel is still lacking. James conducted a lot of experiments, and through data analysis, he concluded an evaluation equation which is based upon lhe experimental illustration. Tn this study, lhe physical properties of the material are used to illustrate the modification of fatigue crack growth rate, and a new formula which is based upon lhe modified Formanʹs equation, is provided. © 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.