Fatigue strength prediction for inhomogeneous face-centered cubic metal based on Vickers hardness

To find the Vickers hardness (HV) value for predicting the fatigue strength of inhomogeneous face-centered cubic (FCC) metals, HV tests were performed on SUH660 stainless steel. The results indicate that the intrinsic hardness distribution can be obtained from the HV distribution in test zones according to the Vickers hardness definition. The soft zone greatly affects the fatigue strength of an inhomogeneous FCC metal. Therefore, for another inhomogeneous FCC metal in which fatigue cracks initiate and propagate easily in the softest zone, the fatigue limit can be predicted using the mean HV value of the softest zone.

► The intrinsic hardness independent of the measuring method is defined and used.
► HV and intrinsic hardness are both variables in an inhomogeneous FCC metal.
► The Vickers hardness distribution for the softest zone is obtained.
► The mean HV of the softest zone can be used to predict fatigue limit.