On the thermodynamic entropy of fatigue fracture

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-8-2010

Abstract

Entropy production during the fatigue process can serve as a measure of degradation. We postulate that the thermodynamic entropy of metals undergoing repeated cyclic load reaching the point of fracture is a constant, independent of geometry, load and frequency. That is, the necessary and sufficient condition for the final fracture of a metal undergoing fatigue load corresponds to a constant irreversible entropy gain. To examine validity, we present the results of an extensive set of both experimental tests and analytical predictions that involve bending, torsion and tension-compression of aluminium 6061-T6 and stainless steel 304 specimens. The concept of tallying up the entropy generation has application in determining the fatigue life of components undergoing cyclic bending, torsion and tension-compression. © 2009 The Royal Society.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences

First Page

423

Last Page

438

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