The strength of quasibrittle materials depends on the ensemble of defects inside the sample and on the way damage accumulates before failure. Using large-scale numerical simulations of the random fuse model, we investigate the evolution of the microcrack distribution as the applied load approaches the fracture point. We find that the distribution broadens mostly due to a tendency of cracks to c...

Fatigue damage accumulation under variable amplitude loadings is vital for the life prediction of welded structures. An approach based on distribution mapping presented. S-N curves joints are utilized to construct fatigue zones, and a corresponding polynomial fitting function derived from heat transfer FEA solution. Experimental results cruciform T tensile three-point bending employed validatio...