Memory effects in variable amplitude and multiaxial fatigue crack growth: an incremental approach

This paper presents an incremental approach for modelling fatigue crack growth with memory effects due to the non-linear behavior of the material. This approach is developed at LMT since 2003, in collaboration with several industrial partners, mainly with Snecma, SAFRAN Group, EDF and AREVA and SNCF. The first part of this paper presents the context and the objectives, and the key assumptions on which the model is based. The second part presents some examples of applications of the model, fatigue crack growth in mode I conditions, under variable amplitude loading; non-isothermal situations; crack growth in coupled environmental and fatigue loading conditions; extension of the model to non-proportional mixed mode loading conditions, and to short cracks. The last part presents some ongoing work, possible developments and scientific challenges that remain to be overcome.