Probabilistic Fracture Mechanics Analysis Methods for Structural Durability
Abstract
The United States Air Force requires that Air Force aircraft be designed to be durable. This requirement necessitates an analytical demonstration that excessive cracking within the airframe will not occur during the aircraft's design service life. In order to predict the time at which excessive cracking occurs, an analysis is needed which is capable of predicting the distribution of crack sizes within the airframe at any point in time. Such an analysis was recently developed and is presented in this paper. The durability analysis is based on a fracture mechanics philosophy, combining a probabilistic format with a deterministic crack growth rate relationship. Essential elements of the methodology are presented, with emphasis on the statistical representation of the initial fatigue quality of the structure. The accuracy of the durability analysis is demonstrated by correlating analytical predictions with experimental results of a fighter full-scale test article as well as complex-splice specimens subjected to a bomber load spectrum.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADP001608
Entities
People
- Bill G. W. Yee
- James L. Rudd
- Jann N. Yang
- Sherrell D. Manning
Organizations
- General Dynamics