Issue 77

S. Marchetta et alii, Fracture and Structural Integrity, 77 (2026) 298-315; DOI: 10.3221/IGF-ESIS.77.18

Figure 7: Finite element model for N-SIF and SED calculation.

Figure 8: Finite element model for ENS calculation.

Statistical analysis To determine the fatigue limit in terms of nominal stress and N-SIF, as well as the corresponding mean S–N curves and associated scatter bands for the different representations considered, the fatigue data were subjected to statistical analysis. As prescribed by the IIW Recommendations, a Gaussian log-normal distribution was assumed [3]. The S-N mean curve (P.S. 50%) is obtained by performing a linear regression on the fatigue data, in which log(N) is taken as the dependent variable, and is described by the following equation:     log N = B log σ +A  (10)

In which B is the inverse slope of the S-N curve and A is the intercept at σ =1 MPa (log( σ )=0):

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