Statistical analysis of high cycle fatigue crack growth: center crack in aluminum panel

High cycle fatigue crack growth results are obtained from a statistical analysis and compared with test data for an aluminum panel with a center crack under constant amplitude cyclic load. The analysis makes use of a generalized Fock-Planck equation that is satisfied by a union probabilistic density of stochastic variables of cycle number and crack length. Obtained are high degrees of modified expressions of the equation's coefficients and hence the analytical solution. A two-parameter fatigue crack growth rate relation is assumed together with a logarithmic average life distribution. Good agreement is obtained with test data for different initial crack lengths.