scope:

1.1 This practice pertains only to S-N and e-N relationships that may be reasonably approximated by a straight line (on appropriate coordinates) for a specific interval of stress or strain. It presents elementary procedures that presently reflect good practice in modeling and analysis. However, because the actual S-N or e-N relationship is approximated by a straight line only within a specific interval of stress or strain, and because the actual fatigue life distribution is unknown, it is not recommended that (a) the S-N or e-N curve be extrapolated outside the interval of testing, or (b) the fatigue life at a specific stress or strain amplitude be estimated below approximately the fifth percentile (P [similar] 0.05). As alternative fatigue models and statistical analyses are continually being developed, later revisions of this practice may subsequently present analyses that permit more complete interpretation of S-N and e-N data.