Modelling Crack Propagation in Aluminium-Alloys 2524-T3 and 7050-T7452 Subjected to Fatigue Loading at Low Temperature

Modelling Crack Propagation in Aluminium-Alloys 2524-T3 and 7050-T7452 Subjected to Fatigue Loading at Low Temperature M. D. Liu and J. J. Xiong * School of Transportation Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: This paper seeks to model the crack propagation in of AAs (aluminum-alloys) 2524-T3 and 7050-T7452 subjected to fatigue loading at low temperature. Fatigue crack growth tests were performed on AAs 2524-T3 and 7050-T7452 subjected to constant-amplitude and actual random-spectra loading histories at room temperature of about 25 °C and at cryogenic temperature of -70 °C, respectively, to determine their crack growth properties and residual lives. The interaction mechanisms between cryogenic temperature and the fatigue load were deduced on the basis of the results of fractographic analysis. Temperature-dependent residual lives under actual random-spectrum load history were modeled based on a modified accumulation damage rule by accounting for the load interaction. Good correlation was achieved between the predictions and actual experiments, demonstrating the practical and effective use of the proposed method.