Fatigue analysis for fleet management using Bayesian Networks

A fatigue analysis framework for estimating and predicting (cumulative) fatigue damage of aircraft structures, based on fatigue damage data from a fleet of aircraft, is described. The data model is defined by a Bayesian Network. Assessments related to safety, maintenance and life cycle cost, flight task performance and fatigue damage distribution between structures, are supported. The fatigue analysis framework guides the flight planner in specifying flight syllabi that maximise operational and training effectiveness while simultaneously meeting safety and cost constraints. The implementation of the fatigue analysis framework requires computerised functions for data sorting, algorithms related to the Bayesian statistical inferences of the fatigue damage data model, and a graphical display of multiple analysis results.