Prediction of long-term strength of steels and alloys using uniformity diagram under prolonged loading

A method of predicting the endurance of smooth standard samples by the data on prolonged loading to the sample fracture with a crack or crack-like notch is presented. The method is based on the dependence of endurance of the elements on the level of initial damage and stresses. Using the low alloy steels we showed that the method provides for the determination of extremum on the fatigue limit curve without any increase in the temperature thus improving the reliability of evaluating the heat resistance of the materials. Refs. 19, figs. 3