Investigations on fatigue crack growth under variable amplitude loading in wheelset axles

The present paper summarizes the results of fatigue crack growth simulations for hollow wheelset axles. Within the scope of this paper different influencing factors of the remaining lifetime have been identified. Therefore different simulations using NASGRO have been performed with different initial crack depth as well as aspect ratios. Moreover the influence of press fitting on the remaining lifetime has been pointed out. Preliminary experimental studies using standardized fracture mechanical specimens have been used in order to optimize time- and cost-consuming component testing.