Piecewise stochastic rainflow counting for probabilistic linear and nonlinear damage accumulation considering loading and material uncertainties

Abstract A new framework is proposed for probabilistic fatigue life prediction considering randomness from both loadings and material properties. Piecewise stochastic rainflow counting (PSRC) is proposed to transform random loading spectrums to block loadings in a piecewise way with block randomization. The PSRC can be integrated with both linear and nonlinear damage accumulation rules. Mean stress corrected random fatigue limit model is proposed for uncertainty quantification of material fatigue properties under constant amplitude loadings. Probabilistic fatigue life prediction with both loading and material uncertainties is conducted using Monte Carlo simulation and is validated with experimental data from literature and in-house testing. Impact of different mean stress correction models on the fatigue life prediction under random loadings is investigated in detail. The influence of block piece length and block sequence randomization is discussed with respect to the mean and scatter behavior of the probabilistic life prediction results.