Method for Predicting Crack Initiation Life of Notched Specimen Based on Damage Mechanics

Based on the theory of damage mechanics, a method for fatigue crack initiation life prediction of notched components is proposed in this paper. The damage evolution equation of notched specimen under tensioncompression loading is obtained in term of closed-form solution. The crack initiation life of notched specimen is estimated by the proposed method even when material and stress concentration factor are different. It has been verified that the result calculated by the proposed method agrees with the experimental result. The proposed method is concise, effective and feasible to practical application.