Comparison of critical plane models for multiaxial fatigue life prediction

Background. The operation of numerous machines and units takes place under conditions of multi-axial cyclic loading, which, as a rule, is non-proportional. Evaluating the fatigue durability of metal alloys under conditions of multi-axial non-proportional loading is a relevant task in modern engineering. Solving this problem requires fatigue calculation methods that would consider operating conditions and properties of structural materials, including factors such as the type of stress state, loading trajectory, material sensitivity to non-proportional loading, and so on.Objective. To conduct a comparative analysis of a range of fatigue life models based on the concept of the critical plane, including the Fatemi-Socie, Wang-Brown, Smith-Watson-Topper, Liu I, and Liu II approaches, and to identify the limits and peculiarities of their application.Methods. The fatigue lives calculated using the selected models were compared with experimental results obtained for various metal alloys subjected to uniaxial tension-compression, alternating torsion, and proportional and non-proportional multiaxial loading.Results. The applicability limits of fatigue life models based on the critical plane concept were analyzed for different metal alloys under conditions of proportional and non-proportional multiaxial loading.Conclusions. The research results demonstrated that models requiring the use of material constants obtained from tests in both tension-compression and alternating torsion provide reliable fatigue life estimates for various types of metal alloys. Calculations based solely on fatigue curves from alternating torsion better correlate with the results of tests on ductile materials, while calculations based on criteria utilizing fatigue curves from tension-compression align more closely with results from tests on brittle materials.