This tips & tricks article illustrates how to take into account a non-zero mean stress in an Ansys Workbench fatigue analysis.
Download: Ansys Workbench Fatigue Model (*.wbpz)
Combine static and varying load in WB Fatigue Module
ANSYS WB Fatigue Module is able to solve Constant Amplitude, Non-Proportional Loading
First here are some definitions:
Non zero mean stress loading
To create this fatigue solution we have to obtain the stress result for Smaximum and Sminimum
Alternating bending stress R < -1
For instance we have an alternating bending stress with a mean compression stress.
Smaximum and Sminimum
In Ansys Workbench we have to combine the static and alternating stress in 2 static structural solutions that will give us the Smaximum and Sminimum.
Solution Combination
Once the maximum and minimum result is obtained we will be able to combine them into a Solution combination to allow the fatigue module calculate it.
Ansys Workbench Fatigue Module Result
In the Gerber mean stress correction theory, the compression mean stress has a penalizing impact on the fatigue life of the part.