Fatigue Life Predictions for a Notched Member Under Complex Load Histories

Three computer programs are presented for predicting the fatigue life of notched members undergoing complex load histories. The programs, while differing in terms of required information, employ a common approach involving the determination of the material response at the notch root, an assessment of damage based on closed hysteresis loops, and a linear damage summation to predict life. Agreement between predictions and experimental results generated by the SAE Fatigue Design and Evaluation Committee is reasonably good. The programs have purposely been kept simple to allow for easy modification. Applications and limitations of the three programs are discussed.