A prediction model for extremely low cycle fatigue strength of structural steel

Miner’s rule has been accepted as a simple and effective method for predicting the low cycle fatigue life under variable strain amplitude. However, in an extremely large strain field, corresponding to the fatigue life of less than 10 cycles, the accuracy of Miner’s rule has not been verified. In this study, low cycle fatigue tests under variable strain amplitude in an extremely large strain field were conducted with a newly developed testing system. Miner’s rule always predicted a longer fatigue life than the observed life. A simple model introducing the damage mechanics concept was proposed and its validity was examined as another method for predicting low cycle fatigue life.