A flexible modelling framework leading to a pobabilistic multiaxial Kitagawa-Takahashi diagram : applied to cast Al-Si alloys

The aim of this work is to propose simple analytical tools to predict the fatigue strength of cast aluminium components as a function of the casting process and post-cast treatment. The proposed methodology is based on the Murakami approach to predict the maximum defect size and a flexible modelling framework which leads to the construction of a probabilistic, multiaxial Kitagawa-Takahashi diagram. This framework is capable of modelling two independent co-existing fatigue damage mechanisms. This methodology will be applied to fatigue data taken from the literature as well as tests conducted on AlSi7 cast specimens manufactured via three different processes.