Axial fatigue tests on aluminum specimens with impact-induced damage

The present study investigates the axial fatigue behavior of hourglass-shaped specimens made of 7075-T6 aluminum alloy subjected to localized impact damage. The specimens were impacted at different speeds using a steel sphere and subsequently tested under axial fatigue loading. The results of the experimental tests reveal similar fatigue strengths across the investigated impact speeds, with a non-monotonic trend. The data suggest that impact speed does not have a significant influence on fatigue performance within the tested range.