A general multi-modal probability density function suitable for the rainflow ranges of stationary random processes

An important aspect of fatigue or reliability analysis under random loading is the prediction of load ranges applied to a structural component. Since the usability of currently available probability density functions of load ranges is limited to only some of stationary processes, a new, general multi-modal Weibull distribution with the procedure of unknown parameter estimation is presented in this paper. The proposed distribution function can be used for every stationary process and for any shape of loading spectrum. For unknown parameter estimation only short time history samples are needed. To evaluate the appropriateness of the new distribution function, extensive load measurements on a forklift at various operating conditions have been carried out. The comparison between the measured and hypothetical loading spectra has shown very good agreement. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.