An investigation of the crack propagation model corpus

Abstract

Models that predict fatigue crack growth are described, classified and compared with respect to applicability and limitations. Crack opening models were found to be more reliable and better adapted to include interaction effects that determine the extent of fatigue crack growth. The CORPUS crack propagation model, the most sophisticated one among the crack opening models has been qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. A computer program of the model has been developed and run for a number of flight simulation spectra. The prediction results have been compared to the data given by de Koning, originator of the model, and Padmadinata, another investigator, and agreement has been observed. A comparison between experiments and prediction results has been made consistencies and discrepancies as to the trends of crack growth for variations of spectrum and test parameters are indicated. Finally, several recommendations for possible improvement of CORPUS model are given.