Analysis of crack propagation data for a strain ageing and a stabilized mild steel tested under R=0 and R=−1 loading conditions

Comparative studies of crack propagation in a strain ageing and a stabilized mild steel were carried out under axial loadings of the R = 0 and R = ?1 types. The results show the rate of fatigue crack propagation is dependent on both the tensile and the compressive stresses in the fatigue cycles, the compression stresses being less effective than the equivalent tensile stresses in causing crack growth. An equation is presented relating the rate of fatigue crack growth to a stress intensity range which is factored to allow for the variations in fatigue damage associated with the tensile and compressive parts of the stress cycle.