This paper discusses a method that focuses not only on peak stresses but also on stress gradients to rationalize fatigue design using a low-alloy steels. First, fatigue strength reduction ratios are associated with stress gradients rather than stress concentration factors. Next, to verify the stress gradient method, fatigue tests were conducted on hole-notched specimens. Finally, the fatigue life was predicted, considering the stress gradient at the notch root. The predicted atigue lives agreed well with the experimental results. It was confirmed that the fatigue life can be predicted more accurately than the conventional peak stress method.
EXTENDED ABSTRACT