S-N Curve - not even the manufacturer knew this one

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the creation of an S-N curve for fatigue characteristics of Cold Drawn Seamless mild steel used in a Formula Student Space frame design. Participants explore the mechanical properties of the material and the implications for fatigue life, including the effects of loading conditions.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • Alexisonsmith seeks guidance on creating an S-N curve using the provided mechanical properties of the steel.
  • Some participants suggest that R represents the type of cyclic load, indicating a need to clarify the definitions of mean and maximum stress.
  • There is uncertainty about the specific type of steel, with one participant noting that the designation provided is not precise.
  • Participants discuss the concept of fatigue limits in steel, with some asserting that many steels, particularly ductile ones, do not have a fatigue limit, while others argue that most steels do possess a fatigue limit.
  • One participant mentions a rule of thumb that steels have a fatigue strength of approximately 0.4 times the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), but cautions that this is a rough estimate and may not apply universally.
  • There is a suggestion to obtain fatigue strength values directly from the manufacturer, with a note that manufacturers may not always disclose this information.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the definitions of Rm and Re, with references to external resources for further understanding.
  • One participant reflects on their previous statement regarding fatigue limits, indicating a misunderstanding and emphasizing the importance of considering whole cycles of stress in S-N fatigue analysis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence of fatigue limits in steels, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives on this topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of precise definitions and the potential for misunderstanding in discussing fatigue characteristics and S-N curves. There are also references to external resources that may provide additional context but do not resolve the ongoing uncertainties.

alexisonsmith
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Hey,

So I am currently trying to workout the fatigue characteristics of my Formula Student Space frame design, I am using Cold Drawn Seamless mild steel.

I have the following mechanical properties:
Re - 360 MPa
Rm - 450 MPa

I think these are the effective stress intensity range and the max or mean I am not sure stress.

How would I go about creating an S-N curve from this data? If you know you will be a lifesaver!

Thanks,

Alexisonsmith
 
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In most literature that I've seen, R represents the cyclic load kind (e.g. -1 is fully reversed, etc). Perhaps one is the mean stress and one is the maximum?

Also, the is important, as the loading will have an effect on fatigue life. Exactly what type of steel is it? You should be able to directly find fatigue curves.
 
Cold Drawn Seamless Steel - CFS BKRLS BS6323 Part 4 CFS 3-Bk

I tried to find the S-N Curve by I can't find it at all!
 
alexisonsmith said:
Cold Drawn Seamless Steel - CFS BKRLS BS6323 Part 4 CFS 3-Bk

That's not really an exact kind of steel, just a type and what looks to be a part number.
 
It is a mild steel with the following characteristics:
0.2% - C
0.35% - Si
0.9% - Mn
0.05% - P
0.05% - S
 
Don't know about this steel, but many iron / steels, especially the ductile ones, do not have a fatigue limit.
 
I thought was aluminium I thought Steel's did have a fatigue limit?
 
Pretty much all steels I have ever worked with have a fatigue limit. As a rule of thumb steels have a fatigue strength of 0.4UTS, it's very rough and doesn't hold up for all steels so you've got to be careful.

If the manufacturer doesn't know then, they fail. It's more likely they just aren't letting you know. Just badger them to give you a value for fatigue strength. To this you need to apply some 'fiddle factors' for real life fatigue strength.

And why on Earth would a ductile steel have no fatigue limit? They cope with crack propgation better than hard/brittle steels. Unles you mean carburized steels, that have no fatigue lmiit.
 
Last edited:
Oh dear, I didn't say that very well did I, managed to get it well and truly _-_ backwards.

I meant to say that most steels are employed at well below their endurance limit so the fatigue issue never arises, especially if you are designing to codes. Don't forget that the S-N fatigue only works if you are considering whole cycles of stress. Otherwise you need a Soderberg or similar diagram analysis.

http://www.engrasp.com/doc/etb/mod/fm1/stresslife/stresslife_help.html

Rm is the ultimate strength

Re is the yield stength of

http://www.corusgroup.com/file_sour...oducts/Sections/Steel standard EN10025-04.pdf
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #10
Studiot said:
Oh dear, I didn't say that very well did I, managed to get it well and truly _-_ backwards.

I do that all the time :biggrin:, fortunately this place is filled with picky buggers that will weed out even the tinyest wording error.:approve:

EDIT: It's generally why you'll never find one of my posts that hasn't been edited. I always think of a better way to put stuff afterwards.
 

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