Predicting Fatigue Crack Growth on Aircraft Structures

This paper presents a technical overview of the portion of fracture mechanics that deals with the theory and practice of predicting fatigue crack growth. The use of the stress intensity factor for predicting crack growth in various shaped structural members subjected to cyclic loading is introduced. Fracture toughness, crack growth rate, and crack growth retardation from overloads are also explained. Example problems are presented to enhance the clarity of explanations.