A discrete dislocation technique for fatigue microcracks. Pt. I

The present contribution in two continuations summarizes the contents and findings from the latest articles in the field of numerical modeling of initiation and the propagation of micro-cracks within crystalline material by the method of discrete dislocations. The discrete nature of the phenomenon of crack initiation in the crystal grain lattice, the fatigue crack propagation within the crystalline grains and the influence of the vicinity of the grain boundary on its propagation and its arrest were discussed, respectively. In accordance with the method of discrete dislocations, an explanation of the reasons for lifetime increase of torsion subjected specimens was provided. The lifetime of the specimens was increased by means of pre-stress compression in axial direction.