Spacecraft sustained load fracture control

The opportunities for sustained load fracture control in spacecraft are indicated. Emphasis is given to verification by small-scale laboratory testing.

Prediction of fatigue crack growth

As an introduction the practical significance of fatigue crack growth life prediction is related to the service life, the inspection period and the fracture control requirements. Then different aspects of fatigue crack growth in metallic materials are discussed in more detail. Important effects such as chemical environment, short cracks, crack...