Lesson No.

11 in Machine Design 1: THE SODERBERG CRITERION

The Soderberg Criterion of fatigue Failure for Variable Loading is previously used for very
ductile materials, whose Yield Strength is very near the Ultimate Strength in value. This design
criteria is seldom used nowadays as it is very conservative. When used in design, it employs a
very low Factor of Safety.
As a failure criteria it inherently checks on the first cycle yielding. However, it is too
deterministic, as this line of failure is very far from the actual plot of failure points.

Example Problem:

A part with a machined surface has continuously varying axial loads

Pmax =300,000 N∧Pmin =50,000 N . Material tests S u=620 MPa , S e =234 MPa , ,∧S y =482 MPa .A
stress concentration of 1.42 is present. Area of the part is 1806 mm2 . Investigate this design by
the Soderberg Criterion. Assume there will be plastic yielding.
Solution:
*Known: Pmax =300,000 N , Pmin =50,000 N tension
Su=620 MPa , Se =234 MPa ,∧S y =580 MPa ,
Sf =530 MPa, Area A = 1,806 mm2 , K f =1.42 .
*Assumptions: There will be plastic yielding and the material is ductile.
*Required: Investigate this design by the Soderberg criterion.
* Analysis/ Evaluation:
 Pmax + P min 300,000+ 50,000
P m= ¿ =175,000 N
2 2
Pmax −Pmin 500,000−50,000
P a= = =125,000 N
2 2
Pm 175,000 N
σ m= = =96.9 ∨MPa
A 1,806 mm2
P 125,000 N
σ a= a = =69.21 or MPa
A 1,806 mm2

For axial loads, apply the constant 0.85 to the stress for the reason previously
discussed.
1 1
nf = n=
σm Kf σ a = f (96.9) 1.42(69.21) = 1.45 **
+ +
0.85 S y o .85 S e 0.85(580) (0.85)234