Reliability-Based Scatter Factors Volume 2. Computer Manual

Abstract : A definition of scatter factor is introduced that is rational and at the same time can directly be related to the reality of aircraft design and certification as well as of the full-scale and also coupon fatigue test of structural elements or components. Specifically, the scatter factor is defined as the ratio of the MLE (maximum likelihood estimate) of the scale parameter of the two-parameter Weibull distribution assumedly describing the life distribution of structural elements or components, to the 'time to first failure' among a fleet of nominally identical elements or components subjected also to nominally identical operating conditions.