Service fatigue strength
Fatigue strength is the measure of a material's endurance under cyclic loads. It indicates how many times a component can be loaded before it fails.
Physico-Chemical Mechanism of Action
Fatigue strength refers to the fatigue deformation of materials under repeated mechanical loads. Each load cycle causes microscopic cracks and deformations in the material, which accumulate over time and can lead to failure.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
A low fatigue strength value can lead to premature fatigue fracture or cracking in the material. This is particularly dangerous for components that are constantly loaded, such as in machinery or structures. With poor welding procedures, stresses and deformations in the weld metal can increase fatigue.
Workshop Practice & Action Instructions
To ensure high fatigue strength, the following measures should be taken:
• Use high-quality materials with low susceptibility to fatigue.
• Ensure that the weld is correct and sound to minimize stresses.
• Avoid excessive stresses by proper cooling and cooling curves.
• Test the material regularly for fatigue deformation.