Fatigue life estimation of notched elements with use of non-local volumetric method

The work presents non-local fatigue computations method together with volumetric approach, in which energy parameter has been used. Proposed model has been used for simulation computations, based on experimental testing of unnotched (smooth) and notched specimens subjected to two types of loads, i.e. tensile – compressive and oscillatory bending. Computations of energy parameter value have been done based on results of FEM elastic–plastic analysis for cyclic properties of a material. Averaging operation was performed for assumed constant threshold value, resulting in averaged value of energy parameter, on the grounds of which fatigue life has been read off from characteristics of unnotched specimens. The threshold value assumed depends on load type, and the volume within which averaging is performed depends on load level.