The effect of fatigue-induced crack propagation on the stochastic dynamics of a nonlinear structure

Reliability design of various structures such as ships, offshore platforms, aircrafts, buildings is incomplete without considering fatigue-induced crack propagation effects that may lead to system failure. In order to carry out dynamic analysis of such systems, one needs an appropriate dynamic model along with a tool for statistical analysis of the crack propagation. This paper aims to contribute to the ongoing research of stochastic dynamics coupled with simultaneous degradation of the system properties, especially stiffness degradation, caused by cracks in structural elements. The latter issue is important for structural safety.