Various stochastic models for fatigue crack propagation under either constant amplitude or spectrum loadings have been investigated. These models are based on the assumption that the crack growth rate is a lognormal random process, including the general lognormal random process, lognormal white noise process, lognormal random variable, and second moment approximations, such as Weibull, gamma, lognormal and Gaussian closure approximations. Extensive experimental data have been used for the correlation study with various stochastic models. These include fastener hole specimens under fighter or bomber spectrum laodings and center-cracked specimens under constant amplitude loads. The data sets for the fastener hole specimens cover adequately different loading conditions, environments, load transfers and crack size range. It is shown that the white noise process is definitely not a valid model for fatigue crack propagation.

Various stochastic models for fatigue crack propagation under either constant amplitude or spectrum loadings have been investigated. These models are based on the assumption that the crack growth rate is a lognormal random process, including the general lognormal random process, lognormal white noise process, lognormal random variable, and second moment approximations, such as Weibull, gamma, lognormal and Gaussian closure approximations. Extensive experimental data have been used for the correlation study with various stochastic models. These include fastener hole specimens under fighter or bomber spectrum laodings and center-cracked specimens under constant amplitude loads. The data sets for the fastener hole specimens cover adequately different loading conditions, environments, load transfers and crack size range. It is shown that the white noise process is definitely not a valid model for fatigue crack propagation. Keywords: Fracture mechanics; Durability; and Structural components.

Various stochastic models for fatigue crack propagation under either constant amplitude or spectrum loadings have been investigated. These models are based on the assumption that the crack growth rate is a lognormal random process, including the general lognormal random process, lognormal white noise process, lognormal random variable, and second moment approximations, such as Weibull, gamma, lognormal and Gaussian closure approximations. Extensive experimental data have been used for the correlation study with various stochastic models. These include fastener hole specimens under fighter or bomber spectrum laodings and center-cracked specimens under constant amplitude loads. The data sets for the fastener hole specimens cover adequately different loading conditions, environments, load transfers and crack size range. It is shown that the white noise process is definitely not a valid model for fatigue crack propagation.

Stochastic Crack Propagation: Essential Practical Aspects describes a feature important to the analysis of stochastic crack propagation, starting with essential background theory. Processes, or phenomena, which are of practical importance in the work of design engineers or R&D teams are described chapter by chapter. Many examples are described and supported by listed references, and files of data that can be used with specialist software to practice design situations are included. Advice on how to use various computer programs to design and predict for stochastic crack growth is also provided, giving professionals a complete guide. - Presents instructions and exercises in the ideal format for professionals, focusing on applications - Explains a methodology on how to optimize the engineering design process by including stochastic crack growth behavior - Provides computational files to help readers get up-to-speed with design using programs like ANSYS and NASTRAN for stochastic crack growth

With the advent of the 80's there has been an increasing need for analytic and numerical techniques, based on a thorough understanding of microstructural processes, that express in a manner suitable for practicing engineers the reliability of components and structures that are being subjected to degradation situations. Such situations fall within the framework offracture mechanics, fatigue, corrosion fatigue and pitting corrosion. Luckily, such techniques are now being developed and it was felt timely to combine in one volume reports by the leaders in this field who are currently making great strides towards solving these problems. Hence the idea of this monograph was born and I am pleased to be associated both with it and the contributors whose chapters are included in this volume. A very large part of the credit for this monograph must go to the authors who have taken time out from their busy schedules to prepare their submissions. They have all worked diligently over the last few months in order to get their manuscripts to me on time and I sincerely thank them for their help throughout the preparation of this volume.

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