Equibiaxial Low-Cycle Fatigue Properties of Typical Pressure-Vessel Steels

Large-size circular-plate specimens made of typical pressure-vessel materials were tested to determine their low-cycle fatigue strength. The test consisted of two distinct phases; i.e., development of an appropriate testing apparatus and the fatigue testing of the plate specimens. A unique apparatus was developed to test simply supported, circular plate-type specimens. Through a hydraulic system, a uniform pressure was applied to the specimen that resulted in a state of equibiaxial strain at the center of the plate. Tests were conducted to evaluate the pressure-deflection characteristics for various specimen strain levels. Biaxial fatigue data with a strain ratio (circumferential to radial) of 1:1 were generated for three pressure-vessel materials (A-201, A-302, T-1) for a completely reversed strain cycle. Initial cracking was used as a criterion of failure. Cracks were determined by monitoring electrical-resistance strain gages mounted on the specimen.