Prediction of intrinsic fatigue crack growth rates in friction stir welded aluminum alloys

This paper presents a model for predicting intrinsic fatigue crack growth rates (ICGRs) in welded aluminum plates. The prediction model is based on the Walker equation and the influence of weld material strength on fatigue crack growth rates is further considered. ICGRs of friction stir welded 2024-T3 aluminum specimens under constant amplitude loading condition and constant stress intensity factor range loading condition are predicted using the model and compared with the experimental results. Good agreement between the predicted ICGRs and experimental results demonstrate the validity of the prediction model.