How Does Load Cycle Frequency Affect the SN Curve?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the effect of load cycle frequency on the SN curve (Wöhler curve), particularly in relation to the natural frequency of materials and components. Participants explore the implications of resonance on fatigue life and stress calculations in engineering contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Simas questions how load cycle frequency affects the SN curve, particularly at frequencies matching the natural frequency of materials, suggesting that resonance may lead to lower fatigue life.
  • One participant notes that as the forced frequency approaches the natural frequency, the behavior transitions to "low cycle fatigue," indicating that the standard SN curve is not applicable in this regime.
  • Another participant explains that approaching the natural frequency results in significant increases in system response, leading to larger stress fluctuations than those observed at frequencies well away from resonance.
  • Simas seeks clarification on how to calculate stress during resonance, noting that traditional formulas do not account for the increased stress amplitude at natural frequencies.
  • A suggestion is made to model the vibration of the cantilever beam with distributed mass to derive the dynamic deflection and subsequently calculate the bending stress, emphasizing that standard SN curves may not apply in this scenario.
  • There is a cautionary note regarding the complexity of the problem, with a recommendation to apply a conservative failure criterion and consider researching fracture mechanics for deeper insights.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of the SN curve in the context of resonance and low cycle fatigue, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the precise calculations and implications of resonance on fatigue life.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on specific definitions of fatigue regimes, the need for detailed dynamic modeling, and the unresolved mathematical steps in calculating stress during resonance.

Simas
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Hi,

What is the effect of the load cycle frequency on the SN curve (Wöhler curve)? Especially when the frequency matches the natural frequency of the component/material?

Instinctively, I would think that at the natural frequency the number of load cycles until fracture is lower than at any other frequency due to increase of amplitude at resonance. But I do not understand how you can see/show this in the SN curve.

Thank you,
Simas
 
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Unfortunately, as a component forced frequency approaches it natural frequency it transforms to a realm known as "low cycle fatigue" which is the reason that the S/N curve is specified for "high cycle fatigue". For more information on this issue do a web search for "low cycle fatigue" and you will find a large volume on the subject.
 
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As you approach the natural frequency of a dynamic system, the system response typically increases rather drastically. This causes stress fluctuations that are far larger than those occurring for well-off natural frequency response.
 
Thank you both for your reply.

Following your answers, how do I calculate the stress during resonance?

For example, a typical cantilever beam as on the picture below, the bending stress in point B due to a cyclic force P is calculated as M(L)*y/I, with M(L) the bending moment in B (= P*L), y the height/2, and I the inertia moment. But this formula for the stress does not take into account the resonance effect, because according to this formula, the stress amplitude is the same for all frequencies. How do I take the resonance effect (drastic increase of the stress at natural frequency) into account?
images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTE9DDepCkAQuwWQnk7pNsvxcOMn-Jzd8UZON6ccQ0-J_54fjBg.png
 
I would suggest that you start with a vibration model based on distributed mass (distributed along the length of the beam). Obtain a solution for the dynamic deflection as a function of time and location. Then calculate the bending stress as Mc/I at point B.

The standard SN curves do not apply, so you are really flying blind at this point. I suggest that you apply a conservative failure criterion and see if it appears that cracks will propagate. If you want to get into more detail, research "fracture mechanics."

This is not a problem for amateurs!
 

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