Crack propagation methodology under complex loadings

• An advanced methodology for crack propagation analysis is demonstrated.
• CCF interaction, eigenmode actualization and load spectrum management are all included in the methodology.
• The methodology is validated by comparison between numerical and experimental results.

In this paper, a novel methodology for analyzing crack propagation under complex loadings is presented. It includes various kinds of complexities such as multiple non-proportional load cases, LCF/HCF interaction, eigenmode actualization and load spectrum under proportional loading. After being validated on simple test cases, this methodology is applied on two full-scale industrial cases. The results demonstrate that this methodology, when compared to simulations using simplified load cases, has a great impact on fatigue life assessment. This methodology achieves higher accuracy and more representative results and therefore can lead to more radical optimization in a design process.