Fatigue life predictions of notched samples based on average strain energy density

The approach for fatigue lifetime predictions of notched specimens based on the theory of critical distances is modified to the use of strain energy density. Average values of strain energy density are used here to determine critical distances in dependence on number of cycles to failure (for fatigue loading). These values are modified to be used to predict the fatigue life of different notches. Classical critical distance theory uses the opening stress distribution (normal loading mode). The use of strain energy density allows other stress components to be included in the calculations.