Project Description
Investigating the efficacy of survival analysis methods for assessing the fatigue life of high-strength steel wires utilized in cable-supported bridges is the aim of this study. The inherent variability and uncertainty in material behavior under cyclic stress may not be well captured by traditional fatigue study techniques. In order to properly describe fatigue failure as a time-to-event problem, this study introduces survival analysis techniques, which are often used in medical investigations. High-strength steel wire specimens will be used in a comprehensive experimental program to accomplish this goal. Servo-hydraulic testing equipment will be utilized to put these wires to cyclic loading under regulated stress ranges. In order to capture fatigue life variability and allow for statistically significant analysis, a suitably high sample size will be evaluated. Each specimen's number of cycles to failure will be recorded throughout testing. The generated dataset will next be subjected to survival analysis techniques to describe the probability of failure with time. To assess the benefits and drawbacks of survival-based methodologies, the results of this study will be contrasted with conventional fatigue life prediction techniques. The ultimate goal of this research is to offer a more reliable probabilistic framework for fatigue life prediction of infrastructures.
Tasks and Responsibilites
The undergraduate student will actively participate in the project's analytical and experimental phases. Preparing high-strength steel wire specimens, including measuring, and labeling will be their main duties. To guarantee accurate and trustworthy data collection, the student will get instruction in laboratory safety protocols and testing equipment operation. The student will help set up loading procedures, keep an eye on the test's progress, and spot any anomalies in the behavior of the specimen or the machine. In order to ensure that all experimental findings are appropriately recorded, they will be in charge of documenting crucial information such as load ranges, and the number of cycles to failure. The student will assist with data processing and analysis in addition to laboratory activities. In order to evaluate fatigue life statistics, this will involve organizing datasets, carrying out initial statistical analysis, and helping to use survival analysis approaches. Through this project, the student will gain practical experience in data analysis, experimental mechanics, and research methods while making a significant contribution to a current civil engineering research project.
Desired Qualifications
None listed.