Field Data Classification and Analysis Techniques

This paper gives guidelines on possible decision making procedures in the collection and reduction of data acquired in the field. Presented are the specific details of several data analysis algorithms that are commonly used in conjunction with cumulative fatigue damage assessment. Data rate formulae for quantifying certain digitizing effects and characterizing field service time histories are given. Methods for reducing time histories to amplitude distributions are discussed. Specific data reduction criteria and algorithms are given for time at level, level crossing, range counting, and rainflow counting techniques.