Fatigue life prediction under random loading using total hysteresis energy

The fatigue life prediction under random loading is an important problem an d a solution based on total hysteresis energy to failure is presented here. An incremental approach for estimation of the hysteresis energy during the random loading and hence a new approach for fatigue life prediction was de veloped. This approach does not require any cycle counting procedure. An ex perimental verification made on type 35 steel specimens is reported. The lo ading histories include constant amplitude, step up-down and random loading with uniformly and Gaussian distribution of stresses. (C) 1998 Elsevier Sc ience Ltd. All rights reserved.