Prediction of fatigue crack growth and residual life using an exponential model: Part I (constant amplitude loading)

In the present investigation an attempt has been made to introduce a life prediction methodology by adopting an ‘Exponential Model’ that can be used without integration of fatigue crack growth rate curve. The predicted results are compared with experimental crack growth data obtained for 7020-T7 and 2024-T3 aluminum alloy specimens under constant amplitude loading. It is observed that the results obtained from this model are in good agreement with experimental data and cover both stage-II and stage-III of fatigue crack growth curve.