Fretting fatigue analysis using a fracture mechanics based small crack growth prediction method

A complete life model for the nucleation and growth of a fretting fatigue crack has been developed. The nucleation of a fretting crack is predicted by superimposing the crack growth rate experienced under fretting conditions onto S-N fatigue data for the alloy. The growth model utilizes small crack growth rate data and a fretting fatigue stress intensity factor to account for the small crack sizes and higher stresses experienced under fretting fatigue conditions. The development of the propagation model within the established fatigue crack growth code AFGROW allows this approach to be readily used by members of the aerospace industry.