fatigue and fracture

Fatigue is the weakening of a material caused by repetitive or cyclic stresses over time. When a structure or component experiences repeated loading, tiny cracks can form and grow gradually. Eventually, these cracks reach a critical size, leading to sudden fracture or breaking of the material. This process can happen even if the stresses are below the material’s maximum strength. Fatigue is common in components like airplane wings or bridge cables, where they endure constant stress. Proper design, material choice, and maintenance help prevent fatigue-related failures, ensuring safety and durability.