Fatigue limit estimation of metals based on the thermographic methods: A
comprehensive review
Abstract
Infrared Thermography has been under review in the last thirty years due
to its versatility and potential in the detection of the thermal
signature associated with intrinsic energy phenomena due to dissipative
processes, specifically those relying on mechanical fatigue. Nowadays,
it is a well-established technique that can support mechanical and
structural engineers to implement a damage-tolerant design, assess the
residual life, and finally characterize the fatigue behavior of
materials. The aim of this work is to review all thermography-based
approaches and procedures for fatigue limit estimation by rapid tests,
draw considerations on the role of thermal methods in mechanical design
and machine construction, and discuss the pros and cons of each method
and open points. This review is intended on one hand, as a
warning/guideline to direct new research toward issues that have not
been fully resolved or understood yet and on the other hand, to sum up,
what has already been done in the field.