Multiple-site and widespread fatigue damage in aging aircraft

Transport is a vital cog in the world economy. However, the cost of new aircraft has meant that there are now aging fleets whose continued airworthiness requires special analysis and improved crack detection techniques. This paper highlights the need for research into the field of structures containing both multi-site and widespread fatigue damage, topics which have recently received worldwide attention. To adequately explain the work that has been completed in these fields, a brief introduction to some of the more common terminology will also be given. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.