One of the time-honored conventions of aviation journalism is that every article about metal fatigue has to start with mention of the “ill-fated Comet.”
That requirement has now been met.
When Airplanes Feel Fatigued
Key Takeaways:
- Metal fatigue is the invisible, cumulative weakening of aircraft components from repeated stresses, leading to sudden, catastrophic failure without prior warning signs.
- While a known phenomenon since the 19th century, accurately predicting and detecting fatigue in complex aircraft structures remains challenging due to numerous variables.
- The problem of metal fatigue is expected to become more prevalent in civil aviation due to aging fleets, increased aircraft utilization, and the repurposing of high-stress airframes.
- Managing fatigue requires complex administrative decisions to balance safety risks, inspection costs, and the economic service life of older aircraft.
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