The Challenge
Develop and validate tools to simulate Multiple Site Damage (MSD) in aerospace structures.
The Solution
This work aimed to assess a numerical procedure for MSD crack propagation simulation of 2D pre-notched specimens (plates) undergoing a traction fatigue load, as defined by a general load spectrum. Experimental analyses on a fatigue machine were carried out in order to validate the numerical results and to provide the necessary material fatigue data for the aluminum plates.
The numerical analysis were performed using BEASY. By means of a non-liniar regression analysis, applied on in house obtained experimental data, a propagation law was defined, capable to effectively keep in account the threshold effect and the unstable final propagation.
The Value
Validated predictive tool to study MSD design issues.
