What type of stress on aircraft components can lead to fatigue?

Cyclic or repeated stress is the type of stress on aircraft components that can lead to fatigue. This form of stress occurs when a component experiences recurring loads or forces over time, which can cause microfractures to develop in the material. These microfractures can grow progressively with each load cycle and, if not monitored or managed properly, can ultimately lead to structural failure of the component.

In the context of aircraft, components are often subjected to various operational conditions where they experience multiple load cycles during typical flight operations. This is why understanding cyclic stress is critical in the design and maintenance of aircraft parts. The presence of fatigue due to cyclic stress is particularly crucial in components that are subject to varying loads, such as wings, fuselage sections, and landing gear, where the repeated stress can significantly affect the lifespan and safety of the aircraft.

While thermal stress, static stress, and electrical stress can affect aircraft components in different ways, they do not primarily cause fatigue in the same manner. Thermal stress can lead to issues related to thermal expansion or contraction, static stress can lead to immediate structural failure if the load exceeds the material's yield strength, and electrical stress typically pertains to electrical systems rather than mechanical fatigue of materials. Hence, cyclic stress stands out as the primary