Fatigue crack growth reliability analysis under random loading

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the fatigue crack growth (FCG) under random loading using analytical methods. Design/methodology/approach For this purpose, two methods of cycle-by-cycle technique and central limit theorem (CLT) were used. The Walker equation was used to consider the stress ratio effect on the FCG rate. In order to validate the results in three random loading group with different loading levels and bandwidths, the results of the analysis, such as the mean lifetime of the specimen and the average crack length were compared with the test results in terms of the number of loading cycles. Findings The comparison indicated a good agreement between the results of the analysis and the test. Further, the diagrams of reliability and the probability of failure of the specimen were obtained for each loading group and were compared together. Originality/value Applying the cycle-by-cycle and CLT methods for the calculation of fatigue reliability of a CT specimen under random loading by the Walker equation and comparing their results with each other is not observed in other researches. Also in this study, the effect of the loading frequency bandwidth on lifetime was studied.