A simple approach for multiaxial fatigue damage prediction based on FEM post-processing

A simple methodology to predict crack initiation life is described in the fatigue damage assessment of metallic structures typically used in ground vehicle industry. A phenomenological constitutive model is integrated with a notch stress–strain analysis method and local loads under general multiaxial fatigue loads are modeled with linear elastic FE analyses. The computed stress–strain response is used to predict the fatigue crack initiation life using effective strain range parameters and two critical plane parameters. The proposed methodology is employed in the fatigue test cycle prediction of the biaxial cornering tests of light-alloy wheels. Numerical simulations indicate that estimates using critical plane models provide better correlations between the cornering test cycles and predicted cycles. Also, comparisons in terms test failure locations and estimated crack initiation sites are given.