A simple approach for predicting fatigue crack propagation rate based on thermography

•A simple relationship between the crack propagation rate and temperature rise is proposed.•Crack progradation rate is directly related to the temperature evolution at the onset of loading.•Stress intensity factor can be evaluated via the initial slope of temperature rise around the crack tip. A simple model based on realistic assumptions for determining the fatigue crack propagation rate is presented. It relies on the measurement of the temperature evolution around the crack tip thermographically. The approach is capable of predicting crack propagation speed in both low- and high-growth rates. Results can be used to determine the stress intensity factor.