A new function for fatigue curves characterization and its multiple merits

A new function is proposed for the description of fatigue curves in both lo w- and high-cycle fatigue regions, i.e. for the whole region of cycles from tensile strength to permanent fatigue limit (usually described by the Palm gren function). In each cycle region it can be simplified; in fact it chang es into the Basquin function in the region of finite life and an analogy of the Stromeyer function for the high-cycle fatigue region can also be obtai ned. In comparison with the functions mentioned above, the new function has many advantages: it allows a better fit of experimental results, its param eters have unambiguous technical and geometrical meaning and they can be de termined with higher accuracy. The function and its simplifications are als o more suitable for extrapolation and interpolation of fatigue curves in lo w-cycle and very-high-cycle regions. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rig hts reserved.