Frequency-dependent cohesive-zone model for fatigue

In order to demonstrate the practical worth of the approach, the frequency effect observed with fatigue crack growth in austenitic stainless-steel 304 is analysed. It is found that the crack growth decreases with increasing frequency up to a frequency of 5 Hz after which it levels off. The behaviour, which can be linked to martensitic phase transformation, is shown to be accurately captured by the new model.