A new method for service life monitoring of structural components under cyclic loading

A new optical method is described for the control of structural components under cyclic loading. The method is based on changes in surface structure produced by cyclic loading of metallic fatigue gauges. For quantitative evaluation the optical reflectivity is measured, which is strongly correlated to the number of loading cycles. To determine the integral cyclic loading fatigue gages are mounted on the structural component. The method is specially characterized by high sensibility and applicability in all technically relevant loading ranges