This applications-oriented paper describes data acquisition and reduction methods used by one manufacturer. Various combinations of data collection, data reduction, and data analysis are discussed with emphasis on the interpretation of the results. A brief description of some data collection and reduction equipment is presented for background information. This includes oscillograph recorders, analog tape recorders, and analog-to-digital tape systems with associated digital computers.
Primary emphasis of the paper is on the presentation of data in a usable engineering format. Examples using time-at-load histograms, maximum-minimum plots, and strain/load versus fatigue life diagrams are used to clarify theoretical concepts of data analysis.
