A reliability-based evaluation approach for pitting corrosion fatigue damag
e which combines analytical estimation and nondestructive inspection is dev
eloped in this paper. First, a mechanics-based probabilistic life model for
the corrosion fatigue on the surface of a lap sheet is established and the
n a reassessment approach is developed after in-service inspection. The rel
iability of the NDI technique is quantified through a probabilistic descrip
tion of its detectability and accuracy. The reassessment approach incorpora
tes the reliability of the NDI technique, inspection data and prior predict
ion in a probabilistic framework for decisions regarding maintenance or rep
air. The methodology is illustrated through a numerical example and the eff
ect of the reliability of the NDI technique on reassessment results is inve
stigated. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.