Application of Fractal Geometry to the Problems of Prediction of the Residual Service Life of Aircraft Structures

The deformation pattern of the surface of clad aluminum alloys is regarded as an indicator of the degree of accumulated fatigue damage. We demonstrate the possibility of application of the methods of fractal geometry to the analysis of the optical images of deformation patterns. We study a series of procedures used for the calculation of fractal dimensions and propose their complex application to the problems of prediction of the residual service life of aircraft structures according to the state of the deformation pattern.