In order to apply the damage tolerance design philosophy to design
marine structures, accurate prediction of fatigue crack growth under
service conditions is required. Now, more and more people have realized
that only a fatigue life prediction method based on fatigue crack
propagation (FCP) theory has the potential to explain various fatigue
phenomena observed. In this book, the issues leading towards the
development of a unified fatigue life prediction (UFLP) method based on
FCP theory are addressed. Based on the philosophy of the UFLP method,
the current inconsistency between fatigue design and inspection of
marine structures could be resolved.
This book presents the state-of-the-art and recent advances, including
those by the authors, in fatigue studies. It is designed to lead the
future directions and to provide a useful tool in many practical
applications. It is intended to address to engineers, naval architects,
research staff, professionals and graduates engaged in fatigue
prevention design and survey of marine structures, in fatigue studies of
materials and structures, in experimental laboratory research, in
planning the repair and maintenance of existing structures, and in rule
development. The book is also an effective educational aid in naval
architecture, marine, civil and mechanical engineering.
Prof. Weicheng Cui is the Dean of Hadal Science and Technology
Research Center of Shanghai Ocean University, China. Dr. Xiaoping
Huang is an associate professor of School of Naval Architecture, Ocean
and Civil Engineering of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. Dr.
Fang Wang is an associate professor of Hadal Science and Technology
Research Center of Shanghai Ocean University, China.