Hysteresis-loop representation for strain energy calculation and fatigue assessment

Improvements have been made to the cyclic strain energy density expression used in a fatigue life prediction method. The theory behind the prediction method is based on the understanding that the same amount of strain energy is dissipated during a monotonic fracture and a cyclic fatigue process. From this understanding, the failure cycle for a fatigue process can be determined by dividing monotonic strain energy by the average strain energy per cycle. Though this technique has been shown to be acceptable, it needs to be improved to account from the experimentally observed increase in the strain energy per cycle as the loading cycles approach fatigue. In order to improve the fatigue life prediction technique, experimental strain energy density per cycle is observed during the fatigue process of Aluminium 6061-T6 (Al 6061-T6) specimens. The results show exponential change in the strain energy density through the first 20 per cent and the last 30 per cent of the total failure cycles. The results lead to a new representation of strain energy density per cycle, which leads to an improved fatigue life prediction method. A comparison is made between the improved prediction method and experimental fatigue results. The comparison result validates the precision of the new hysteresis-loop representation.