Fatigue life prediction of bolted joints using fatigue modulus

Abstract

The fatigue life prediction of SUS304 stainless steel with bolted joints has been investigated using fatigue modulus concept proposed by Hwang & Han. In this paper, modified fatigue life prediction equation (MFLPE) is derived by fatigue modulus degradation model, which is a exponential function of fatigue modulus, fatigue cycle and load transfer level in order to consider the relaxation of stress concentration due to fasteners. Tests have been performed using various load transfer levels to verify the derived prediction equation. The experimental results show that fatigue modulus can be used as a parameter to represent fatigue damage and the geometry parameters affect the constants in the fatigue life prediction equation.