R. V. Pulikollu, G. Krishnan, R. G. Tryon, K. Line, VEXTEC, Brentwood, TN
Most current design analysis approaches assume material homogeneity and ignores the effects of microstructure on the reliability of aluminum components. VEXTEC has developed aluminum 7050-T7451 probabilistic microstructural model to predict dual crack initiation mechanisms, distribution of cracks and the fatigue life of varying component geometries. Crack coalescence and mission modeling capability is incorporated in the model.
