E. Macha

The paper contains a new algorithm for estimation of fatigue life in HCF regime under multiaxial random loading using spectral methods. Loading of Gaussian distribution and narrow‐ and broad‐band frequency spectra were assumed. Various characteristic states of multiaxial loading were considered. The equivalent stress history was determined with use of the failure criteria of multiaxial fatigue based on the critical plane. For determination of the critical plane position, the method of variance was applied. During simulation, the authors compared the results obtained by a spectral method in the frequency domain with those from the rain‐flow algorithm in the time domain. The paper also contains the results of fatigue tests for 18G2A structural steel subjected to bending and combined bending with torsion. The tests were performed in order to verify the proposed algorithms for determination of fatigue life. It has been shown that under multiaxial random loading results of fatigue life calculated according to the considered algorithms in frequency and time domains are well correlated with the results of experiments.

Fatigue behaviour under multiaxial variable amplitude loading can be examined by applying the failure criteria based on the critical plane approach. Positions of the critical plane can be determined in relation to the principal stress or strain directions. In the present paper, the expected directions of the principal stresses under proportional and non‐proportional loading have been obtained by averaging the instantaneous values of the Euler angles through special weight functions. The known weight functions based on stress parameters appear not to be efficient for each loading or material being analysed. Thus, the authors consider new weight functions based on energy parameters. The presented forms of weight functions are assessed by testing 18G2A steel specimens. It is concluded that the fatigue fracture plane position under multiaxial loading can efficiently be determined on the basis of an averaged direction of the maximum principal stress by employing a suitable weight function.