Methods and devices for electrochemically determining metal fatigue status

摘要

Devices and methods for determining the fatigue status of a metallic specimen are provided. The methods include contacting the specimen with-a cell containing an electrode and an electrolyte in contact with the specimen. A voltage is then applied, or galvanically created, between the specimen and the electrode, and the current is measured passing through the electrolyte during a period in which the specimen is subjected to cyclic stresses. A signature is then prepared which is representative of a measured current at the electrode, and the signature is analyzed to determine the fatigue status of the specimen.