The generalised Frost–Dugdale approach to modelling fatigue crack growth

This paper summarises recent developments in the formulation and application of the generalised Frost–Dugdale crack growth law. We first reveal the relationship between the generalised Frost–Dugdale crack growth law, dislocation based crack growth laws, the two parameter crack growth model, and fractal fatigue concepts. We then show that a range of aircraft materials characterisation test data are consistent with this law and how it can be used to predict crack growth in a range of full-scale aircraft fatigue tests, and coupon tests including crack growth in aircraft fuselage lap joints.