An analytical model for the identification of the threshold of stress intensity factor range for crack growth

The value of the stress intensity factor (SIF) range threshold (∆K_th ) for fatigue crack growth (FCG) depends highly on its experimental identification. The identification and application of ∆K_(th )are not well established as its determination depends on various factors including experimental, numerical or analytical techniques used. A new analytical model which can fit the raw FCG experimental data is proposed. The analytical model proposed is suitable to fit with a high accuracy the experimental data and capable to estimate the threshold SIF range. The comparison between the threshold SIF range identified with the model proposed and those found in literature is also discussed. The ∆K_th identified is found to be quite accurate and consistent when compared to the literature with a maximum deviation of 5.61%. The accuracy with which the analytical model is able to fit the raw data is also briefly discussed.