The paper discusses various partial solutions used for estimating
fatigue life under variable amplitude multiaxial loading in the
high-cycle fatigue domain. The concurring effects are treated, and their
proposed solutions are commented upon. The major focus is on the
categories of the phase shift effect and of cycle counting, and on the
scope and quality of data, which support discussed theories. Results of
own new experimental data set on specimens from S355 steel are provided.
Fatigue life estimates for McDiarmid and Findley multiaxial methods and
for two different methods of load path decomposition to cycles are shown
to highlight some of the points open for discussion. It is concluded
that the available experimental data are not sufficient to substantiate
a clear decision to follow a definite algorithm.