ESTIMATION OF THE FATIGUE LIMIT OF NITRID ED COMPONENT-TYPE SPECIMENS

The ''weakest link'' model of Kogaev and Serensen comprehend the stati stical and the stress mechanical size effect on the fatigue limit. In combination with the concept of the local fatigue limit on the basis o f the damage parameter according to Smith, Watson and Topper. it allow s the consideration of component specific effects on the fatigue limit of surface strengthened materials. The applicability of the concept h as been proved by experiments at nitrided specimens with different geo metries and type of loads.