Fatigue life approach for large components in heavy plant engineering based on rainflow counted local strains

In the cement industry components are designed by using the finite element method. This practice is verified by strain measurements on machines in industrial use, utilising rainflow counting. A calculation model was developed for the assessment of such data. The model was calibrated for EN-GJS-400-15U by constant and random amplitude fatigue tests, based on measurement data. For test preparation, a method of omitting load cycles prior to load sequence reconstruction was developed. The experimental results show a satisfactory accuracy when using a constant characteristic damage sum, which can be improved by considering the damage potential of the load spectra.