fatigue failure

Fatigue failure occurs when a material or component repeatedly experiences small stress cycles, such as bending, stretching, or compression. Over time, these repeated stresses cause tiny cracks to form and grow gradually within the material. Eventually, the cracks become large enough to cause a sudden break or failure, even if the stress levels are below what would cause immediate damage. This process is common in machinery, aircraft, and bridges, where parts are subjected to frequent loading and unloading, highlighting the importance of designing and inspecting for fatigue to ensure safety and durability.