A Method To Reduce Time for Estimation of Component Life

A method of estimating component life is presented. This method reduces the time required to tabulate load spectra from oscillograph records and simplifies the life computation. Only the upper levels of the spectra are counted. The slopes of the abbreviated load spectrum plot and S-N curve, and a series of graphs are used to estimate equivalent damage cycles at the top load level. Equivalent damage cycles may then be used to estimate life, establish the load level and the length of laboratory tests, or provide a basis for redesign of the component.