• International Journal of Automotive Technology
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.623-628
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• 2007

Reliability analysis based on fracture mechanics requires knowledge of the on statistical parameters m and C in the fatigue crack growth law $da/dN=C({\Delta}K)^m$. The purpose of the present study is to investigate if it is possible to explain the change of parameter m by the fluctuation of C only. In this study, we apply the Paris-Erdogan law treating the parameter C as random and the parameter m as constant. Fluctuations in crack growth rate are assumed to be dependent only on C. The material resistance to fatigue crack growth(Z=1/C) is treated as a spatially random process, that varies along the crack path. The theoretical crack growth rates at various stress intensity factors are discussed. Additionally, the results of constant ${\Delta}K$ fatigue crack growth tests are reported for the structural steel, SM45C. The experimental data have been analyzed to determine the probability distribution of fatigue crack growth resistanc.