Fatigue Life Estimation Considering Damaging and Strengthening of Low amplitude Loads under Different Load Sequences Using Fuzzy Sets Approach

In this study, based on the Miner rule, a new linear damage accumulation rule is proposed to consider the strengthening and damaging of low amplitude loads with different sequences using fuzzy sets theory. This model improves the application of the traditional Miner rule, by considering not only the damaging and strengthening of low amplitude loads, but also the load sequence effects. To apply the proposed model, the law of selecting membership functions for different load spectra is found, and different membership functions are investigated to show the important influence on estimating fatigue life. Applicability of the method is validated by comparing with the experimental data. It is also found that the predicted fatigue life by the proposed method is more accurate and reliable than that by the traditional ones.