A state-of-the-art review on fatigue life prediction methods for metal structures

 Metals are the most widely used materials in engineering structures, and one of the most common failure modes of metal structures is fatigue failure. Although metal fatigue has been studied for more than 160 years, many problems still remain unsolved. In this article, a state-of-the-art review of metal fatigue is carried out, with particular emphasis on the latest developments in fatigue life prediction methods. All factors which affect the fatigue life of metal structures are grouped into four categories: material, structure, loading, and environment. The effects of these factors on fatigue behavior are also addressed. Finally, potential problems to be resolved in the near future are pointed out. Received: January 7, 2002 / Accepted: March 25, 2002