Review on uncertainties in fatigue loads and fatigue life of ships and offshore structures

摘要

A review is provided focusing on the uncertainties in fatigue loads, damage and crack growth to be incorporated in reliability assessments. The complex fatigue loads originating from wave, wind and cargo loading and unloading actions are considered. The S-N curve approach using Palmgren-Miner's rule and the crack growth approach are seen as the most commonly used formulations for fatigue life assessment. Special attention is paid to the associated governing factors and their uncertainties as they are required for fatigue reliability analyses.