Theoretical-experimental modeling of fatigue similarity in mechanical components

• Grant number: 22/12979-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2023
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering Design
• Principal Investigator: Roberto Eiki Oshiro
• Grantee: Roberto Eiki Oshiro
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The current project's main objective is the study of the scaling effect on the fatigue of mechanical components. The proposal is to develop a mathematical model based on incomplete similarity that relates the scaled element behavior (model or replica) to the real-size structure (prototype). Although this effect is already known in the literature, this work intends to extend the phenomena comprehension so that specimens in dissimilar scales, different materials, load conditions, frequency, time, etc. As a result, one can set up fatigue tests of shorter duration, saving time and resources. Those replicas must relate with the corresponding prototype through the calculated scaling factors and must replicate the real-size component behavior. This study comprises four stages: the development of a mathematical model, finite element numerical simulations, fatigue tests of scaled specimens, and results analysis. (AU)