Advanced Modeling to Characterize Failure Progression Rates from the Incipient Stage to Component Failure

A model and software for fretting fatigue damage is sought to complement existing life prediction technology. An innovative approach with high probability of success is proposed. The proposed modeling framework is based on a recent breakthrough approachdeveloped by Research Applications, Inc. (RAI) that has captured the attention of several military aerospace and commercial heavy equipment manufacturers. In Phase I, RAI's mechanics based model and framework will be validated using available test data onan alloy of direct interest to the Navy. The framework will be designed for further development in Phase II as a stand-alone software product for marketing to the commercial sector. The proposed model will directly benefit prognostic and diagnosticmethods developments related to Condition Based Monitoring and Structural Health Monitoring efforts of the Navy. The need for a Fretting fatigue life prediction model goes well beyond military and aerospace structures. A much broader market exists invirtually all mechanical equipment industries such as automotive, heavy equipment (e.g., Caterpillar), electronics and electrical, health (orthopedic implants) and MEMS. The proposed product will have an immediate and broad market.