Fatigue Test of Steel
Objective:
To determine the fatigue strength and endurance limit of a given steel specimen by
subjecting it to cyclic loading until failure.
Theory:
Fatigue is the progressive and localized structural damage that occurs when a material is
subjected to cyclic loading. Even stresses well below the yield strength can cause failure if
the loading is repeated enough times. The fatigue limit or endurance limit is the maximum
stress level that a material can withstand for an infinite number of cycles without failing.
Apparatus:
Fatigue testing machine (e.g., rotating beam, axial loading, or cantilever beam)
Specimen with specified dimensions and surface finish
Load measuring devices (load cells, strain gauges)
Cycle counter
Micrometre or callipers for measuring dimensions
Procedure:
1. Specimen Preparation:
o Prepare the specimen according to the specified dimensions and surface
finish.
o Accurately measure the dimensions of the specimen.
2. Test Setup:
o Mount the specimen securely in the fatigue testing machine.
o Connect the load measuring devices and cycle counter.
o Set the desired stress level or load amplitude.
3. Test Execution:
o Start the test and monitor the load and cycle count.
o Observe the specimen for any signs of cracking or deformation.
o Stop the test when the specimen fails or reaches the desired number of
cycles.
4. Data Recording:
o Record the following data for each test:
Applied stress level or load amplitude
Number of cycles to failure
Any observations on the failure mode (e.g., crack initiation,
propagation)
Observation Table:
Specimen Number of Cycles to
Stress Level (MPa) Failure Mode
No. Failure
01
2
3
4
Data Analysis:
1. S-N Curve:
o Plot the stress level (S) on the y-axis and the number of cycles to failure (N)
on the x-axis.
o This will create an S-N curve, which shows the relationship between stress
and fatigue life.
2. Endurance Limit:
o Determine the endurance limit from the S-N curve. This is the stress level
below which the material can theoretically withstand an infinite number of
cycles without failure.
Precautions:
Ensure proper specimen preparation and mounting.
Calibrate the load measuring devices and cycle counter before the test.
Maintain a constant test environment (temperature, humidity).
Avoid any impact or shock loading during the test.
Additional Considerations:
The fatigue strength of a material can be affected by various factors, such as
surface finish, stress concentration, temperature, and environment.
The endurance limit is a statistical value and may vary from specimen to specimen.
Fatigue testing is a complex process, and it is essential to follow established
standards and procedures.
By conducting a fatigue test and analysing the results, engineers can gain valuable insights
into the fatigue behavior of materials and design components that are more resistant to
failure under cyclic loading conditions.
