Fatigue Strength
Fatigue strength is the maximum stress amplitude that a material can withstand for a specified number of load cycles without fatigue failure. It is crucial for the safety of dynamically loaded components.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism of Action
Fatigue strength describes how often a material can be loaded under repeated stresses (load cycles) before it suddenly breaks. This process is due to microscopic material changes that increase with each load cycle and eventually lead to fracture.
Metallurgical Relevance & Risks in Welding
A material with low fatigue strength is susceptible to fatigue fractures, especially in dynamically loaded applications such as machine shafts or aircraft parts. A value that is too low can lead to unpredictable cracks and component failure, posing safety risks.
Workshop Practice & Action Instructions
To increase the fatigue strength of a material, the following measures can be taken:
• Use high-quality materials with a low stress sum.
• Optimize welding and heat treatment to achieve a homogeneous structure.
• Reduce mechanical loads through optimized design and assembly.