Introduction to Fatigue

What's the difference between breaking something suddenly and failing it slowly? Dive into the crucial field of Fatigue! What You'll Learn: • Static vs. Fatigue Loading: We clearly define the difference between a single, sustained load and repetitive, cyclic loading. • Defining Fatigue: Learn the precise definition of fatigue failure and its most distinguishing characteristic: it occurs at stresses far below the material's yield strength. • The Key Aspects: Understand why fatigue is so insidious—it's initiated by microscopic cracks that grow under fluctuating stress. • Types of Fatigue: Get an overview of how loading conditions (state of stress, temperature) and environmental factors (Corrosion, Oxidation, Hydrogen Embrittlement) create a variety of failure modes engineers must address.