How proper similitude can improve our understanding of crack closure and plasticity in fatigue

The appropriateness of some common similitude principles with respect to describing and predicting fatigue damage propagation is discussed. Linear elastic fracture mechanics have provided a basis to describe damage growth using stress intensity factors or strain energy release rates, both related to the work of Griffith and Irwin. The fatigue crack growth equations presented in the literature are discussed, and it is demonstrated that the principles of similarity in current methodologies have not yet been well established. As a consequence, corrections for the stress ratio effect are misunderstood. An alternative principle of similitude using cyclic work and strain energy release is proposed.