Steel moment frames are a popular seismic-force resisting system, but it is believed that they are susceptible to early fracture if there is a stress concentration in the plastic hinge region, also known as the protected zone. If a defect is present in this area, it may be repaired by grinding and/or welding, but little research has investigated how the repairs affect the performance of full-scale moment connections subjected to inelastic rotations. Thus, the goals of this research were to establish the performance of full-scale moment connections with repairs and defects, then develop a method for predicting fracture of the full-scale specimens using more economical cyclic bend tests. To do this, six full-scale reduced beam section (RBS) connections were tested having arrays of repairs or defects applied to the flanges. The repairs were 0.125 in. deep notches ground to a smooth taper and 0.25 in. deep notches ground to a smooth taper, welded, and ground smooth. The defects were sharp 0.25 in. and 0.375 in. notches. In addition, 54 bend tests were conducted on beam flange and bar stock coupons having the same repairs and defects, power actuated fasteners, puddle welds, and no artifacts. Finally, Coffin-Manson low-cycle fatigue relationships were calibrated using results from the cyclic bend tests with each artifact (repair, defect, or attachment method) and used in conjunction with estimates of full-scale plastic strain amplitudes to predict fracture of full-scale specimens. All four of the full-scale moment connections with repairs satisfied special moment frame qualification criteria (SMF). One full-scale specimen with sharp 0.25 in. notches satisfied SMF qualification criteria, but the flexural resistance dropped rapidly after the qualification cycle. On the other hand, the specimen with sharp 0.375 in. notches did not satisfy SMF qualification criteria due to ductile fractures propagating from the notches. The proposed method for predicting fracture of full-scale connections was validated using the six current and six previous full-scale RBS specimens. This method underpredicted fracture for eleven of the twelve specimens. The ratio of the actual to predicted cumulative story drift at fracture had a mean of 1.13 and a standard deviation of 0.19. / M.S. / Moment connections in steel structures resist earthquake loads by permanently deforming the material near the connection. This area is called the protected zone and is critical to the safety of the structure in an earthquake. Due to this importance, no defects are allowed near the connection, which can include gouges or notches. If a defect does occur, it must repaired by a grinding or welding. These are the required repair methods, but there have be no tests to determine how the repairs affect the strength and ductility of the connection. This research tested six full-scale moment connections with defects repaired by grinding and welding, as well as unrepaired defects. A correlation was also developed and validated between the full-scale tests and small-scale bend tests of steel bars with the same defects and repairs. This relationship is valuable because the small-scale tests are quicker and less expensive to conduct than the full-scale tests, meaning other defects or repairs could be easily tested in the future. All but one of the six full-scale specimens met the strength requirements and had adequate ductility. The one test specimen that failed had an unrepaired defect. The relationship between the full-scale and small-scale tests underpredicted fracture (a conservative estimate) for the five of the full-scale tests and overpredicted fracture (unconservative estimate) for one test.

This thesis is focused on fatigue behaviour of aluminium alloy 2024-T351 in low cycle and extremely low cycle fatigue regime. Test specimens were firstly subjected to quasi-static tensile and compression tests to establish basic mechanical properties of the experimental material. Fatigue tests were conducted in strain-control mode, when cyclic plastic response and S-N curves were determined. All of the experiments were conducted at room temperature. Shapes of mechanical hysteresis loops are dependent on the strain amplitude and clearly exhibit cyclic plasticity of the alloy. Cyclic deformation curve was fitted by power regression function and subsequently compared with the tensile test. Experimental data of the S-N curves were fitted by Manson-Coffin and Wöhler-Basquin law. The discrepancy of the fatigue data was observed in the extremely low cycle fatigue regime. Based on this phenomenon, new regression function was used to overcome shortening of fatigue life in the extremely low cycle regime.

Neste trabalho foram determinadas as propriedades monotônicas e de fadiga de baixo-ciclo em chapa fina de um aço livre de intersticiais (aço IF) com adição de titânio, utilizado na indústria automobilística. Os ensaios de fadiga foram realizados sob controle de deformação com R&#949 = -1 e com o auxílio de um sistema de alinhamento de garras. O material apresenta diferentes comportamentos de fadiga nas direções transversal e longitudinal (em relação à direção de laminação). Comparação entre a curva tensão-deformação monotônica e a curva tensão-deformação cíclica mostra que os corpos de prova transversais têm endurecimento cíclico para as amplitudes de deformação estudadas. A relação deformação-vida obtida para a direção transversal é dada por &#916&#949t/2 = 0,0186(2Nf)-0,262 + 0,235(2Nf)-0,476 com ponto de transição em 2Nt = 1,4x105 reversos, não sendo possível obtê-la para a direção longitudinal devido a problemas de flambagem. Vários métodos estimativos de propriedades de fadiga a partir de propriedades monotônicas foram comparados aos resultados experimentais. Os métodos da correlação quatro pontos e inclinação universal modificada apresentando boa correlação para a região de baixo-ciclo. Análise fratográfica por microscopia eletrônica de varredura mostrou a presença de estrias de propagação do estágio II, evidenciando a alta dutilidade do material. / In the present work, the monotonic and low cycle fatigue properties of thin sheet of interstitial free steel containing titanium additions, used in the automotive industry, were investigated. Fatigue tests were conducted under deformation control (R&#949 = -1) using a grip alignment fixture. The material exhibits different fatigue behavior for the transverse and longitudinal directions (in relation to the rolling direction). A comparison between the monotonic stress-strain curve and the cyclic stress-strain curve in the transverse direction showed that the material exhibits cyclic hardening in all strain amplitudes tested. The strain-life relationship obtained for transverse direction is given by &#916&#949t/2 = 0,0186(2Nf)-0,262 + 0,235(2Nf)-0,476 with transition point in 2Nt = 1,4x105 reverses; buckling of longitudinal specimens made impossible to obtain such relationship. Several prediction methods of fatigue properties from monotonic properties were compared to the experimental results. The Four Point Correlation and the Modified Universal Slopes Methods showed a good correlation for the low cycle region. Fractographic analysis through Scanning Eletronic Microscopy showed the presence of Stage II striations, giving support to the high ductility of the material.

Os colares das sondas de prospecção petrolíferas são fabricadas de aço inoxidável austenítico devido as suas características eletromagnéticas e de corrosão. Normalmente, a temperatura de serviço é de aproximadamente 300ºC, meio aquoso e a sonda é submetida a carregamentos cíclicos. Várias foram as tentativas de desenvolvimento de um aço que atendesse as necessidades de serviço destes colares. Neste trabalho foram determinadas as propriedades mecânicas de tração e de fadiga de baixo ciclo de um aço inoxidável austenítico do sistema Fe-Mn-Cr-N, quando ensaiado mecanicamente nas temperaturas ambiente e à 300ºC. Foi observado que os valores dos limites de escoamento e de resistência e o alongamento diminuem significativamente quando a temperatura é elevada para 300ºC. Como conseqüência destas alterações, ocorreu uma diminuição da vida em fadiga. A comparação entre as curvas tensão-deformação monotônica e cíclica mostrou que este material, ensaiado à 300ºC e nas amplitudes de deformações estudadas, apresenta amolecimento cíclico. A expressão encontrada para a relação deformação-vida é dada por &#916&#949t/2=0,0054 (2Nf)-0,064 + 0,438 (2Nf)-0,595 com ponto de transição em 2Nt = 9,5 x 103. Quanto aos métodos estimativos das propriedades mecânicas de fadiga, obtidos a partir das propriedades mecânicas de tração, foi verificado que o Método da Inclinação Universal Modificado se aproxima mais da curva experimental obtida neste trabalho. A análise fratográfica mostrou a presença de estrias no estágio II de propagação de trinca. / In this work the monotonic and low cycle fatigue mechanical properties of an Cr-Mn-N austenitic stainless steel, used to produce drill collars used for deep drilling in offshore industry, were evaluated. The low cycle fatigue testing was carried out according to the ASTM E606 standard, under strain control and R = - 1, at temperature of 300°C, which is the temperature that the drill collar reaches in service. It was observed that the yield and the ultimate tensile strength and the elongation decreased sharply with increasing temperature. As a consequence, in both high and low cycle regions, the fatigue life decreased with increasing temperature. The comparison between the stress - strain monotonic and cyclic curves, showed that this material exhibited cyclic softening for the applied strain amplitudes. The correlation between strain and number of cycles to failure was can be given by &#916&#949t/2 = 0,0054 (2Nf)-0,064 + 0,438 (2Nf)-0,595 with transition in 2Nt = 9,5x103 reverses. The experimental results were compared with some models used to predict the fatigue life based on the tensile monotonic properties. The Modified Universal Shopes a better fitting with the experimental data. The fractographic analysis showed the presence of stage II striations.

Neste trabalho foram determinadas as propriedades monotônicas e de fadiga de baixo-ciclo em chapa fina de um aço livre de intersticiais (aço IF) com adição de titânio, utilizado na indústria automobilística. Os ensaios de fadiga foram realizados sob controle de deformação com R&#949 = -1 e com o auxílio de um sistema de alinhamento de garras. O material apresenta diferentes comportamentos de fadiga nas direções transversal e longitudinal (em relação à direção de laminação). Comparação entre a curva tensão-deformação monotônica e a curva tensão-deformação cíclica mostra que os corpos de prova transversais têm endurecimento cíclico para as amplitudes de deformação estudadas. A relação deformação-vida obtida para a direção transversal é dada por &#916&#949t/2 = 0,0186(2Nf)-0,262 + 0,235(2Nf)-0,476 com ponto de transição em 2Nt = 1,4x105 reversos, não sendo possível obtê-la para a direção longitudinal devido a problemas de flambagem. Vários métodos estimativos de propriedades de fadiga a partir de propriedades monotônicas foram comparados aos resultados experimentais. Os métodos da correlação quatro pontos e inclinação universal modificada apresentando boa correlação para a região de baixo-ciclo. Análise fratográfica por microscopia eletrônica de varredura mostrou a presença de estrias de propagação do estágio II, evidenciando a alta dutilidade do material. / In the present work, the monotonic and low cycle fatigue properties of thin sheet of interstitial free steel containing titanium additions, used in the automotive industry, were investigated. Fatigue tests were conducted under deformation control (R&#949 = -1) using a grip alignment fixture. The material exhibits different fatigue behavior for the transverse and longitudinal directions (in relation to the rolling direction). A comparison between the monotonic stress-strain curve and the cyclic stress-strain curve in the transverse direction showed that the material exhibits cyclic hardening in all strain amplitudes tested. The strain-life relationship obtained for transverse direction is given by &#916&#949t/2 = 0,0186(2Nf)-0,262 + 0,235(2Nf)-0,476 with transition point in 2Nt = 1,4x105 reverses; buckling of longitudinal specimens made impossible to obtain such relationship. Several prediction methods of fatigue properties from monotonic properties were compared to the experimental results. The Four Point Correlation and the Modified Universal Slopes Methods showed a good correlation for the low cycle region. Fractographic analysis through Scanning Eletronic Microscopy showed the presence of Stage II striations, giving support to the high ductility of the material.

Os colares das sondas de prospecção petrolíferas são fabricadas de aço inoxidável austenítico devido as suas características eletromagnéticas e de corrosão. Normalmente, a temperatura de serviço é de aproximadamente 300ºC, meio aquoso e a sonda é submetida a carregamentos cíclicos. Várias foram as tentativas de desenvolvimento de um aço que atendesse as necessidades de serviço destes colares. Neste trabalho foram determinadas as propriedades mecânicas de tração e de fadiga de baixo ciclo de um aço inoxidável austenítico do sistema Fe-Mn-Cr-N, quando ensaiado mecanicamente nas temperaturas ambiente e à 300ºC. Foi observado que os valores dos limites de escoamento e de resistência e o alongamento diminuem significativamente quando a temperatura é elevada para 300ºC. Como conseqüência destas alterações, ocorreu uma diminuição da vida em fadiga. A comparação entre as curvas tensão-deformação monotônica e cíclica mostrou que este material, ensaiado à 300ºC e nas amplitudes de deformações estudadas, apresenta amolecimento cíclico. A expressão encontrada para a relação deformação-vida é dada por &#916&#949t/2=0,0054 (2Nf)-0,064 + 0,438 (2Nf)-0,595 com ponto de transição em 2Nt = 9,5 x 103. Quanto aos métodos estimativos das propriedades mecânicas de fadiga, obtidos a partir das propriedades mecânicas de tração, foi verificado que o Método da Inclinação Universal Modificado se aproxima mais da curva experimental obtida neste trabalho. A análise fratográfica mostrou a presença de estrias no estágio II de propagação de trinca. / In this work the monotonic and low cycle fatigue mechanical properties of an Cr-Mn-N austenitic stainless steel, used to produce drill collars used for deep drilling in offshore industry, were evaluated. The low cycle fatigue testing was carried out according to the ASTM E606 standard, under strain control and R = - 1, at temperature of 300°C, which is the temperature that the drill collar reaches in service. It was observed that the yield and the ultimate tensile strength and the elongation decreased sharply with increasing temperature. As a consequence, in both high and low cycle regions, the fatigue life decreased with increasing temperature. The comparison between the stress - strain monotonic and cyclic curves, showed that this material exhibited cyclic softening for the applied strain amplitudes. The correlation between strain and number of cycles to failure was can be given by &#916&#949t/2 = 0,0054 (2Nf)-0,064 + 0,438 (2Nf)-0,595 with transition in 2Nt = 9,5x103 reverses. The experimental results were compared with some models used to predict the fatigue life based on the tensile monotonic properties. The Modified Universal Shopes a better fitting with the experimental data. The fractographic analysis showed the presence of stage II striations.

This master thesis deals with steam turbine blade attachment. Main goal is to perform strength analysis of the given geometry under static and cyclic loads by FEM and software ANSYS. Every particular model is described separately with mentioning of the problems which had to be solved. To create model of material, the tensile tests has been performed and results has been evaluate. There were planned and performed the low cycle fatigue tests to create a model of ultimate states which is used to evaluate the fatigue life of the attachment. Results of the nonlinear FEM analysis is discussed and some improvements of the geometry has been proposed to achieve better state of stress. Finally, the plan of future work has been proposed.

This master’s thesis is dealing with low-fatigue behavior of magnesium alloy AZ61, prepared via squeeze casting method. The main aim of this work was to obtain the basic mechanical properties as well as the low cycle fatigue data. Additional metallographical evaluation of microstructure and fractographical analysis after fatigue tests was made.

This thesis deals with the low cycle fatigue nickel-based superalloy IN713LC with applied TBC barrier at high temperature. The theoretical part is divided into four sections. The first one focuses on description of fatigue damage. The second one provides the basic characteristics of nickel-based superalloys. The third section describes the use of the surface layers - diffusion layers and thermal barriers and the fourth section deals with the influence of these layers on fatigue properties. Experimental part is focused on the evaluation of low cycle fatigue tests and on the explanation of the mechanisms of initiation and propagation of fatigue cracks. For the experimental part, fatigue samples were prepared by vacuum precision investment casting. TBC barrier was applied by atmospheric plasma spraying and consists of two sublayers - the lower metallic bond coating type CoNiCrAlY and top ceramic coating type YSZ. Low cycle fatigue tests were conducted under strain control at controlled temperature of 900 ° C. Fractographical analysis of fracture surfaces was carried out by using light and electron microscopy. Effect of applied barrier to fatigue life was determined - the parameters of Manson-Coffin and Basquin curve. A cyclic stress-strain curve was also obtained. The curves softening / hardening and number of transit cycles were determined. The obtained parameters and values from fatigue tests were compared with available data from fatigue tests of superalloy IN713LC without the layer, as applied AlSi type diffusion layer, at high temperatures. The initiation site on the fracture surfaces was determined within the fractographic evaluation and the influence of the layer on the initiation and propagation of fatigue cracks was discussed. A helpful tool was the assessment of longitudinal sections using scanning electron microscopy.

The present diploma thesis is focused on the effect of AlCr layer on the low cycle fatigue behaviour of cast polycrystalline superalloy IN713LC at 800°C. Protective layer is made by chemical vapour deposition followed by heat treatment. Fatigue tests were conducted in strain control mode with constant total strain amplitude and strain rate. The fatigue behaviour is assessed by cyclic hardening/softening curves, cyclic stress-strain curves, Manson-Coffin curves and Basquin curves. Microstructure was observed in as-received state and also after cyclic loading by means of optical microscopy and SEM.