MULTIPLE-SITE AND WIDESPREAD FATIGUE DAMAGE IN AGING AIRCRAFT

Transport is a vital cog in the world economy. However, the cost of ne w aircraft has meant that there are now aging fleets whose continued a irworthiness requires special analysis and improved crack detection te chniques. This paper highlights the need for research into the field o f structures containing both multi-site and widespread fatigue damage, topics which have recently received worldwide attention. To adequatel y explain the work that has been completed in these fields, a brief in troduction to some of the more common terminology will also be given. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.