Investigation of pore morphology impact on fatigue damage mechanisms in
porous materials
Abstract
The porous characteristics of porous materials result in a distinct
fatigue crack extension mechanism under cyclic stress compared to
monolithic materials. The study employs 18Ni300 mold steel to fabricate
porous CT specimens with varying pore diameters, depths, and spacings
using a selective laser melting technique with 18Ni300 powders. Pore
morphology was a single variable, and fatigue crack extension tests were
conducted under different loads and stress ratios. The Paris formula was
applied to fit test data, and crack extension paths were simulated and
predicted using the extended finite element method. The study reveals
that larger pore diameters and depths increase crack extension rates and
reduce life, while smaller spacings lead to lower rates and longer life.
Pores also affect the material’s da/ dN–∆ K curve,
with higher depth causing larger sudden change amplitude. Pores also
influence crack extension trajectory, resulting in a more linear crack
propagation.