Methods to detect and prevent fatigue in ageing aircraft structures

Abstract

The paper is focused on the methods which detect and prevent material fatigue in ageing aircraft structures. The goal is to analyse material fatigue and its impact on aircraft structures. The significance and impact of fatigue is given in description of accidents that were caused directly by material fatigue of the aircraft structures. The most important and most commonly used methods to detect and prevent fatigue in aircraft structures are infinite lifetime concept methods, finite lifetime concept methods, non-destructive testing methods, cold expansion methods, built-in testing equipment, structural health monitoring methods and methods to detect corrosion fatigue.