Experimental method for and theoretical research on defect tolerance of fixed plate based on damage mechanics

An experimental method and a theoretical analysis based on continuum damage mechanics are applied for the defects tolerance of fixed plate. The defects type studied in this article is scratch, which is considered a typical defect on fixed plate according to the engineering practice. The general approach to the defects tolerance analysis of scratched fixed plate is presented. The method of fatigue life prediction for standard notched specimens has been established on the basis of continuum damage mechanics. For the purpose of obtaining the influence law of fatigue life in consequence of scratches, fatigue experiments of standard notched specimens and scratched specimens have been done. Evaluation of the fatigue life of scratched fixed plate has been carried out. And the value of scratch defects permissible to the condition of safety service life has been worked out. According to the results of theoretical calculations, the fatigue experiment of scratched fixed plate has been performed. The outcome shows that the theoretical prediction tallies with the experimental results.