Crack Growth

Crack growth refers to the process where a small crack in a material gradually enlarges over time due to repeated stress or loading. This can happen under normal use, where tiny cracks form and slowly expand, eventually leading to failure. The rate of crack growth depends on factors like the material’s properties, the stress level, and environmental conditions. Understanding this process helps engineers predict the lifespan of structures and materials, ensuring safety and preventing unexpected failures by designing components that resist crack initiation and slow crack propagation.