FATIQUE AND CORROSION ISSUES FOR SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS IN AVIATION INDUSTRY 2003-01-2800

Analyzing structure elements in a design estimated lifetime, structure integrity and capability to withstand all loadings is highly reduced by the end of designed estimated lifetime. Durability and reliability of vehicle structures is a function of fatigue and corrosion issues, which respectively affects crashworthiness requirements and safety. In aviation industry, from the point of a structure design, three structure design generations could be differentiated: a) the generation where major structure design is based on static strength and build-in redundancy i.e. some fail-safe elements; b) the generation introducing fail-tolerant structure design philosophy; and c) the generation additionally introducing full scale fatigue testing to determine wide-spread fatigue damage and corrosion prevention and control program. Implementation of aircraft structure design and maintenance philosophy i.e. in aviation recommended and standardized programs such as Supplement Structure Inspection Program, Corrosion Prevention and Control Program, Wide-Spread Fatigue damage evaluation and Repair Assessment Evaluation, may result with significant contribution to safety level in automotive industry.