Advanced Structural Analysis/Part I - Theory/Failure Modes/Fatigue/Crack Initiation/Loading/Influence of Mean Stress

Introduction /Algebraic Models/ /Haigh Diagram/ Introduction The mean stress during a load cycle can be compressive, zero or tensile. A compressive mean stress reduces the rate of micro crack growth, and consequently increases the fatigue life. A tensile mean stress on the other hand has the reversed effect on fatigue life. The impact of mean stress can be very significant. There are several potential causes of non-zero mean stress, including: biased external loading, residual stresses and structural nonlinearities. One frequently used term is the stress ratio . This measure offers a convenient way to classify different stress constellations, as follows: constant stress no tension, only cyclic compression no compression, only cyclic tension