Understanding how cracks form and grow in aircraft materials is crucial for designing safe and long-lasting airframes. This page covers the key concepts of crack propagation in the context of aircraft manufacturing.
Crack propagation refers to the growth of cracks in a material under stress. In aircraft structures, crack propagation can lead to catastrophic failure if not properly managed. Engineers study how cracks grow to ensure structural integrity and safety.
In aircraft, structures are subjected to constant stress due to environmental factors such as pressure changes and dynamic loads during flight. Understanding crack propagation helps engineers design parts that can withstand these stresses over time.
In this project, we utilize NASGRO models such as:
These models simulate crack growth and help engineers predict how cracks will behave under various stress conditions.