A simulation strategy for life time calculations of large, partially damaged structures

The present paper is motivated by the increasing concern to accomplish more realistic lifetime estimations of complex engineering structures. For this purpose the entire system and additional mechanisms like damage evolution or changes in the loading situation as well as in the surroundings have to be incorporated into such a long-term computation. Undoubtedly the finite element method represents a suitable tool to this end. But inspite of the fast development of computer technology the life time computation is still to complex to be carried out without advantageous and effective strategies to reduce computational cost.