Abstract
This paper investigates the effect of load shedding steps on constant-ΔK testing. ASTM fatigue crack growth specimens have been used in constant-ΔK tests for many fatigue investigations. In the tests, load levels need to be gradually stepped down to keep the stress intensity factor constant. This work points out that care should be taken in choosing the length of the step in order to control ΔK variation. Formulas for ΔK as well as crack growth rate variability are derived. The experimental application of these techniques is also presented.
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Zhou, Z., Zwerneman, F.J. Load shedding effect on constant-ΔK testing. Experimental Mechanics 36, 232–236 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02318012
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02318012