4.1 The axial force fatigue test is used to determine the effect of variations in material, geometry, surface condition, stress, and so forth, on the fatigue resistance of metallic materials subjected to direct stress for relatively large numbers of cycles. The results may also be used as a guide for the selection of metallic materials for service under conditions of repeated direct stress.

4.2 In order to verify that such basic fatigue data generated using this practice is comparable, reproducible, and correlated among laboratories, it may be advantageous to conduct a round-robin-type test program from a statistician's point of view. To do so would require the control or balance of what are often deemed nuisance variables; for example, hardness, cleanliness, grain size, composition, directionality, surface residual stress, surface finish, and so forth. Thus, when embarking on a program of this nature it is essential to define and maintain consistency a priori, as many variables as reasonably possible, with as much economy as prudent. All material variables, testing information, and procedures used should be reported so that correlation and reproducibility of results may be attempted in a fashion that is considered reasonably good current test practice.

4.3 The results of the axial force fatigue test are suitable for application to design only when the specimen test conditions realistically simulate service conditions or some methodology of accounting for service conditions is available and clearly defined.

Solstice Access

: The Oak King defeats the Holly King, allowing the days to lengthen again.

: The Holly King regains power, and the world begins its gradual descent back into the dark. Solstice

Winter Solstice: Stories and Traditions From Around the World : The Oak King defeats the Holly King,

The word comes from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), a literal description of how the sun appears to pause in its seasonal movement before reversing direction. Throughout human history, these two points in the year—the shortest day (winter) and the longest day (summer)—have been steeped in myths of light battling darkness, divine rebirth, and ancestral survival. The Battle for the Light Throughout human history, these two points in the

Ancient cultures often viewed the solstice as a cosmic struggle between opposing forces. In , this was personified by the eternal conflict between the Oak King (representing light and summer) and the Holly King (representing darkness and winter).