ESDU 84003 provides constant amplitude crack growth rate data for a wide range of common specifications of high alloy and stainless steels in the form of plate, sheet, bar, castings or forgings. The data were derived from results of tests, drawn from many sources in the literature, made at room temperature in laboratory air and are presented as curves plotted against stress intensity factor range down to threshold values for various values of stress ratio. The chemical composition of the steels and mechanical properties of the test specimens are tabulated, and summary curves show the effects of steel composition on crack growth and of stress ratio on threshold stress intensity factor range. The effect of crack closure in creating an effective stress intensity factor is discussed and another summary graph illustrates the point by showing the variation of threshold stress intensity factor range with maximum stress intensity factor. Other matters discussed are the effects of specimen size, environment, heat treatment, steel composition and stress ratio. Practical worked examples illustrate the use of the data.
ESDU 85019 gives graphs showing the rate of increase in crack length per loading cycle plotted against stress intensity factor range for a large group of steels. The curves were obtained by correlating results taken from the literature for tests on steels of tensile strength from 850 to 1970 MN/sq m (123000 to 286000 lbf/sq in). Specimens were tested under constant amplitude loading at room temperature in laboratory air. Included are details of the test specimens, their loading (mainly tensile axial), and the exact composition of the steels. The influence of fracture toughness, mean stress, and material proof stress can be seen in the data and is discussed. Summary curves are included that show the effect of stress ratio and material proof stress on crack growth rates. Two practical worked examples show how the data may be used to establish the life of a component or whether an existing crack will grow.
