Simulation of micro crack propagation at cyclic loading - Development of a parameter identification tool

In order to take into account the influence of the microstructure on the damage process a parameter identification tool designed to create the simulation parameters for the simulation of microcrack growth subjected to repetitive loading is presented. A comparison between the simulation results and the experimental results shows in the case of uniaxial loading a good agreement. The essential reason to integrate a parameter identification tool in the simulation software is to describe the effects of various loading sequences, multiaxial stress states as well as overloads on the fatigue lifetime. Considering fatigue microcrack growth microstructural barriers as well as the state of stress play an essential role.