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Metal fatigue is among the issues that can occur in the world of aircraft maintenance. It happens when metal parts, such as those making up the fan blades on airplane engines, sustain small, stress-related cracks from continuous pressure. Without timely replacement, metal fatigue causes bigger cracks in the affected part, resulting in usage failure. The overview below explains what you should know about this topic. 

How Different Metals Are Impacted

Both ductile and brittle metals are subject to this type of irreversible damage. Ductable, or bendable, metals such as low carbon steel deform rather than break in response to stress. While they last longer than intrinsically brittle metals such as cast iron, years of stress eventually cause bendable metal materials to reach their yield point. Ductile metals that have hit this point become less bendable, more brittle, and subsequently more likely to break. In comparison, brittle metals do not bend or stretch, and can break in ways similar to glass and stone after years of use.

How It Can Be Prevented 

aircraft maintenanceBecause plane cabins undergo routine pressurization and depressurization, cracks in their ductile metal skin can occur over time, as can problems with engine fans and related parts. Plane design elements like rounded windows help prevent this stress. While metal fatigue poses a serious danger to the aviation industry, timely aircraft maintenance prevents the problem from causing serious damage and fatalities. The Southwest Airlines emergency landing in Philadelphia in April of 2018 due to metal fatigue-related engine failure is an exception rather than a commonality. Jet owners and operators must adhere to metal fatigue regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration, which limits how long and how frequently airlines and jet owners can use older aircraft.  

 

Prevent metal fatigue in your jets with aircraft maintenance from AVMATS in O’Fallon, MO. The family-owned company is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week and has provided unmatched jet support and aircraft parts since 1978. Call (636) 812-3224 today to schedule aircraft maintenance or visit the team online for service area information.

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