R. Brockman [1], R. John [2]
[1] University of Dayton Research Institute, Dayton, OH, USA
[2] Air Force Research Laboratory, Metals, Ceramics, and NDE, Wright Patterson AFB, OH, USA

Materials Science & Technology 2004 Conference & Exhibition, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, September 26-29, 2004

Abstract:
Recent studies have shown that analytical predictions of crack growth in rotating components can be used in conjunction with displacement measurement techniques to identify critical levels of fatigue damage. However, investigations of this type traditionally have focused on the detection of damage at known flaw locations. This presentation will address the related problem of assessing damage associated with flaws at unknown locations, through the combined use of analytical models and measured vibration signatures. Because the measured data are insufficient to identify a unique solution for the location and severity of fatigue cracks, the analytical procedure must be able to bound the extent of damage occurring at life-limiting locations. The issue of analyzing successive measurements to improve estimates of worst-case damage and crack locations will also be discussed.