The Life Prediction Procedure and Illustrations

Although life prediction appears to be straightforward in principle, the actual prediction of service hfe can be quite complex and depends on the ability of the designer to identify and cope with various aspects of the problem. The life prediction procedure may be broadly grouped into four parts  

Structural analysis Identification of probable size and shape of cracks at various stages of growth, their location in the component, and proper stress analysis of these cracks, taking into account the crack and component geometries and the type of loading. 

Mission profile Proper prescription of projected service loading and environmental conditions, with due consideration of variations in actual service experience. 

Life prediction Synthesis of information from the previous three parts to estimate the service life of a structural component. 

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