Rapid determination of fatigue failure based on temperature evolution
US8209133B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 26, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2203/0694
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for predicting the service life of a metallic structure subjected to cyclic loading. Such structures experience fatigue, which can lead to failure after a number of loading cycles. The disclosed invention allows for an accurate prediction of the number of cycles to failure for a metallic structure by observing the slope of the rise in surface temperature of the structure after the cyclic loading has begun. The method of this invention provides early and accurate predictions of service life and does not require destructive testing. The method and apparatus of the present invention may be installed on working equipment, thus providing service life predictions for materials in real world use. The invention uses an empirically derived relationship that was confirmed using analytical relationships and material properties. The derived formula uses two constants that may be determined empirically using a disclosed process. The constants also may be estimated mathematically. The apparatus may include a wireless temperature sensor mounted on the metallic structure of interest and a data analysis unit to perform the needed calculations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.