High cycle fatigue simulation: a new stepwise load-advancing strategy

Abstract

A stepwise load-advancing strategy for cyclic loading will be presented in this paper that yields convergence in reasonable computational time for highly nonlinear behaviour occurring past the S–N curve. The algorithm is also effective when dealing with combinations of cyclical loads. The strategy is coupled to a continuum damage model for mechanical fatigue analysis. A brief overview of the constitutive model is also presented although it is not the main focus of this work. The capabilities of the proposed procedure are shown in two numerical examples. The model is validated by comparison to experimental results.