Patent ID: 7877229
Filing Date: 2011-01-25
Classification: B29C

Abstract:
1. A computer program product comprising at least one non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions stored therein that, when executed by a processor, enable a processor-based system to calculate a Load Enhancement Factor, comprising the method steps of: retrieving a data set comprising at least one of coupon level test data and component level test data from at least one database; analyzing the data set for fit with at least one of a Weibull distribution model and a normal distribution model; calculating a stress to life cycle relationship accounting for scatter in the test data by relating the log of a scale parameter of a Weibull distribution function with the log of a stress level of a stress to fatigue life curve; and calculating the Load Enhancement Factor (LEF) based on the stress to life cycle relationship by solving the following equation: adjusting at least one of a load level and a duration of a component-level fatigue test by an amount equivalent to the Load Enhancement Factor.