Fatigue Damage Prediction Using Design Sensitivity Analysis

It was previously suggested the design sensitivity analysis based on transmissibility function to identify the most sensitive response location over a small design modification. On the other hand, energy isoclines were used to predict the fatigue damage with acceleration response only. Both of previous studies commonly tackle the engineering problem using the acceleration response alone such that it may be possible to investigate the relationship between sensitivity analysis and accumulated fatigue damage. In this paper, it is suggested the novel method of vibration fatigue prediction using design sensitivity analysis to enhance the accuracy of predicted accumulated fatigue. Uni-axial vibration testing is performed with a simple notched specimen and the prediction of fatigue damage is conducted using accelerations measured at different locations. It can be concluded that the accuracy of predicted fatigue damage is proportional to the sensitivity index of the responsible location.