Experimental and numerical study on the fatigue behaviour of the shot-earth 772

The present research work is devoted to the mechanical, fracture and fatigue experimental characterization of the shot-earth 772, with a particular attention to its fatigue behaviour. To such an aim, an extensive experimental program has been carried out, consisting of: (i) flexural and compression tests, (ii) three-point bending fracture tests, and (iii) bending and compression cyclic tests. Moreover, a FE numerical model is employed to simulate both the above bending and compression cyclic tests, after the input data validation performed by simulating the above fracture tests. The numerical fatigue lifetimes are compared with the corresponding experimental ones for both pulsating bending and compression, highlighting the model accuracy. Finally, the contours of both the damage parameter and the reduced Young modulus are plotted showing the evolution of fatigue damage.