Fatigue fractures, also known as stress fractures, are small cracks or breaks in a bone caused by repeated stress or overuse. The word "fatigue" is pronounced /fəˈtiːɡ/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), with the first syllable pronounced as "fuh" and the second syllable with a long "ee" sound. The word "fractures" is pronounced /ˈfræktʃərz/ in IPA, with the first syllable pronounced as "frak" and the second syllable with a "ch" sound followed by an "er" sound, and a final "s" sound.
Fatigue fractures refer to fractures that occur in a material, such as metal or bone, as a result of repeated cycles of stress or loading, even if the applied stress levels are below the material's ultimate tensile strength. These fractures typically develop over time as a result of cumulative damage from cyclic loading, rather than being caused by a single, high-intensity force. Fatigue fractures are commonly observed in structural components like bridges, aircraft structures, and machinery, as well as in bones and joints.
These fractures occur due to the development and growth of microscopic cracks within the material, which gradually propagate and eventually reach a critical size, leading to the failure of the component. The accumulation of stress cycles, along with various factors such as material properties, surface conditions, and environmental factors, can accelerate the growth of these cracks and increase the likelihood of fatigue fractures.
Fatigue fractures often exhibit specific characteristics that distinguish them from other types of fractures. These include a distinctive crack pattern, known as striations, which form perpendicular to the direction of crack growth. Additionally, fatigue fractures typically exhibit a relatively smooth, shiny surface compared to other fracture types. These features allow experts to identify and analyze fatigue fractures in order to prevent further failures and maintain the structural integrity of materials and components.
The etymology of the word "fatigue fractures" can be understood by breaking it down into its constituent parts.
1. Fatigue: The word "fatigue" comes from the French word "fatigue" which means "tiredness" or "exhaustion". It originated from the Latin word "fatigare", which means "to weary" or "to tire out". In the context of materials or structures, fatigue refers to the weakening or failure of a material over time due to repeated cyclic loading.
2. Fractures: The word "fracture" comes from the Latin word "fractura", which means "a break" or "a breach". It derives from the Latin word "frangere" which means "to break" or "to shatter". In the context of materials, fractures occur when the integrity of the material is compromised, resulting in a complete or partial break.