Statistical Methods in Structural Fatigue

Because of the scatter of fatigue test data, statistical methods are required for the interpretation of the data. A method, which features the Weibull distribution as the basic statistical model, is analyzed. This point estimation method is applicable in cases where the sample sizes are relatively large. Methods for estimating the parameters for the two and three parameter Weibull distributions are summarized. Furthermore, estimates of the confidence intervals for the parameters in the case of the two-parameter family are presented. The paper is a state-of-the-art summary of the methods of employing the Weibull distribution for analysis of experimental data with emphasis on practical application.