Generalized holistic life assessment model of aircraft structure in corrosive enviroments

The life prediction method of aging aircraft served in corrosive environments was investigated. The environment model of aircraft in different aerodrome and flying condition was established. The data values of corrosion damage were measured and statistically analyzed, and then the probabilistic model of corrosion damage evolution was proposed. The FEM (finite element method) was used to calculate the load distribution of aircraft structure subjected corrosion damage, and the results of FEM calculation combined with the software of crack growth analyses, the life cycles were estimated. Using the model proposed by the paper, the effect of pitting corrosion and exfoliation corrosion to life of aircraft structure was analyzed and the predicted results were in good agreement with experimental cycles.