Accounting for service environment in the fatigue evaluation of composite airframe structure

In fatigue proof testing of large composite structures only incomplete simulation of expected environment is economically feasable. To account for missing environmental effects application of the compensation factor concept is proposed. The compensation factors were derived from coupon specimen testing with the simplistic loading for large composite structures and with quasi-realistic environmental fatigue loading. Details of test results, their application to design and proof of the composite structure, and the testing procedure are given. (LBF)