The effects of % overload (% O.L), baseline stress intensity factor range (.DELTA. $K_{b}$) and dimension-less crack depth (a/W) are examined for the retardation behaviors after a single overload and high-low block loads in 7075-T73 aluminum alloy. An...
The effects of % overload (% O.L), baseline stress intensity factor range (.DELTA. $K_{b}$) and dimension-less crack depth (a/W) are examined for the retardation behaviors after a single overload and high-low block loads in 7075-T73 aluminum alloy. And wheeler model, which is one of the fatigue life prediction models, is modified to predict retardation life using these test results. The retardation cycles( $N_{d}$) increased with a decrease in a/W and an increase in % O.L. and (.DELTA. $K_{b}$) These effects are more severe after high-low block loads than single overload. In the case of single overload, the main mechanisms of the retardation are the crack closure and the relaxation of K due to crack branching. But in the case of high-low block loads, that of the main mechanism is the crack closure caused by the accumulated compressive residual stree at the crack tip, which is related with the contact of fracture surfaces. Test results were multiple regression analyzed and got regressed shaping correction factors, (n)$_{REG}$, as function of %O.L., a/W and (.DELTA. $K_{b}$) Wheeler model is modified by using these (n)$_{REG}$. The number of delay cycles calculated by modified Wheeler model were in good agreement with the test results of this study.y.udy.y.y.y.