Modelling of fatigue crack propagation in Inconel 718 under hold time conditions

In this thesis an investigation and modelling of the fatigue crack propagation in the nickel based superalloy Inconel 718, with a special emphasis on the effect of hold times, is presented. The modelling work has been concentrated on describing the hold time fatigue crack propagation by using the concept of a damaged zone in front of the crack tip, which is believed to have a lowered resistance against crack propagation. The modelling framework is built on physically motivated parameters, which are all easy to calibrate through one specially designed test type. Later evaluation through many experimental tests has also shown that the model is capable, within reasonable scatter level to predict, the hold time fatigue crack propagation for many different temperatures and loading conditions. Further evaluation of a complex flight spectrum, with the incorporation of crack closure within the model, was also predicted with a satisfying result. This thesis is divided into two parts. First, a background and a somewhat deeper discussion of the modelling of fatigue crack growth under hold time conditions is presented. The second part consists of ve appended papers, which describe the work completed so far in the project