Restoring service loads of a component from its fracture surface

One of the most important phase in mechanical design and failure analysis is to obtain service loads accurately. Based on fatigue tests of LY12CZ aluminum alloy sheets for both constant loading and programmed loading, a new method has been proposed for restoring service loads of a component from its fracture surface. With this method, the effects of loading sequence can be taken into account. The restored loads are compared with the actual ones. Parameters affecting results are evaluated according to their sensitivity values. In certain conditions, the restoring procedure can also be accomplished automatically by using image processing and computer techniques.