Validation of the Statistical Strain-Life Design Curves for Various Grades of Sheet Steel

In this paper, constant amplitude strain-life fatigue data from a variety of sheet steel suppliers is examined. The data is processed to remove unsatisfactory test results, and the median curves for both the elastic and plastic strain-life relationships are determined. Statistical single-sided elastic and plastic strain-life design curves are generated using the approximate Owen lower tolerance limit method. The resulting statistical total strain-life design curves are then compared to an established theoretical single-sided statistical tolerance limit to assess the validity of using the approximate Owen lower tolerance limit method for the generation of single-sided design curves for strain-life fatigue data.