Fatigue life estimation of structures under statistically and spectrally similar variable amplitude loading

Engineering fatigue is a very prevalent and dangerous phenomenon that limits the useful life span of mechanical structures. It can be found in most engineered structures machinery are made from metallic or composite materials. The prediction methodology under variable amplitude loading (VAL), however, has not reached maturity due to complexity loading. This results load sequence effects, which significantly alter life. Since realistic experienced by nature, corresponding responses at defect site highly irregular, characterization VAL its resulting damage paramount. Fatigue estimation conventionally uses methods based on Miner's Rule cumulative rule (CDR) conjunction with rainflow counting method. However, CDR does account for interaction/sequence effects induced local residual stress (or crack opening stress) variations.