| Summary: | Aircraft structures during operation are exposed to fluctuating loads caused both by aerodynamic and inertial loads. This fluctuation leads to the creation of fatigue cycles, which gradually diminish the residual durability of the structure. During the design process, the flight envelope is defined as well as the design load spectrum, which then defines the durability of the structure (often expressed in means of flight hours). However, during the operation of an individual aircraft the actual load cycles can be significantly lower or higher than the designed; therefore, load monitoring is essential for safe operation of aircraft structures.
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