fatigue

[gerkin]

What is the difference between a fatigue assessment and a fatigue crack growth assessment on a structural component. ?

[Clanad]

At least in respect to aeronautical engineering the difference is the same as the difference between potential and dynamic.  Fatigue assessment, usually done in the development of a structure, is the potential for a component or structure to fail due to fatigue, whereas fatigue crack growth assessment is the discovery, maintenance and monitoring of a fatigue induced crack.  The usual method of maintenance of fatigue cracks that are allowed is to stop drill them to relieve the stressor and then monitor for continued propagation...