Structural Fatigue
Structural fatigue is the phenomenon of progressive damage and fracture of a material or structure subjected to cyclic loading. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, structural fatigue is a critical issue as spacecraft and launch vehicles are subjected to extreme cyclic loading during their missions. The repeated stress cycles can cause cracks to form and propagate, leading to catastrophic failure of the structure. Structural fatigue is a major concern for the design and maintenance of spacecraft and launch vehicles, and engineers use various techniques such as finite element analysis, strain gauges, and non-destructive testing to predict and detect fatigue damage. Mitigation strategies for structural fatigue include the use of high-strength materials, design modifications to reduce stress concentrations, and regular inspection and maintenance programs.
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