This study presents the life-dependent material parameters concept as applied to several well-known fatigue models for the purpose of life prediction under multiaxial and non-zero mean loading. The necessity of replacing the fixed material parameters with life-dependent parameters is demonstrated. The aim of the research here is verification of the life-dependent material parameters concept when applied to multiaxial fatigue loading with non-zero mean stress. The verification is performed with new experimental fatigue test results on a 7075-T651 aluminium alloy and S355 steel subjected to multiaxial cyclic bending and torsion loading under stress ratios equal to R = -0.5 and 0.0, respectively. The received results exhibit the significant effect of the non-zero mean value of shear stress on the fatigue life of S355 steel. The prediction of fatigue life was improved when using the life-dependent material parameters compared to the fixed material parameters.
Keywords: 7075-T651 aluminium alloy; S355 steel; fatigue life prediction; life-dependent material parameters; mean value of stress; multiaxial fatigue.