Accumulation of Plastic Strain at Notch Root of Steel Specimens Undergoing Asymmetric Fatigue Cycles: Analysis and Simulation

The present study evaluates the ratcheting response at notch roots of 1045 steel specimens experiencing uniaxial asymmetric fatigue cycles. Local stress and strain components at the notch root were analytically evaluated through the use of Neuber, Glinka, and Hoffman-Seeger (H-S) rules coupled with the Ahmadzadeh-Varvani (A-V) kinematic hardening model. Backstress promotion through coupled kinematic hardening model with the Hoffman-Seeger, Neuber, and Glinka rules was studied. Relaxation in local stresses on the notched samples as hysteresis loops moved forward with plastic strain accumulation during asymmetric loading cycles was observed. Local ratcheting results were simulated through FE analysis, where the Chaboche model was employed as the materials hardening rule. A consistent response of the ratcheting values was evidenced as predicted, and simulated results were compared with the measured ratcheting data.