A Fatigue Crack Growth Model for Single Overload Tests

Crack growth rate experiments are conducted by applying an intermediate single overload cycle in constant amplitude load (CAL) tests. For a particular overload ratio, three to four tests are conducted by applying the overload cycle at different crack lengths. The loads are selected in such a way that for a given overload ratio, the size of the overload and CAL monotonic plastic zones are the same at each crack length. A functional form for the crack growth during the retardation was developed that accurately describes all the tests. For comparison, the corresponding CA-load tests are also conducted separately. Finally, a crack growth rate model is developed.