Cyclic strain localisation, crack nucleation and short crack growth

Physical manifestation of the fatigue damage evolution in crystalline materials is reviewed. Basic stages of the fatigue process are demarcated and the attention is concentrated to cyclic strain localisation, crack nucleation and short crack growth. Cyclic strain localisation is an substantial feature of the fatigue damage. It results in the formation of the surface relief, crack nucleation and short crack growth. The experimental results and current theories and models of crack initiation and short crack growth are described and discussed.