What does the term 'fatigue' in materials refer to?

The term 'fatigue' in materials specifically refers to the loss of structural integrity due to repeated loading over time. This phenomenon occurs when a material is subjected to cyclic stresses, causing the formation of microcracks that can grow and ultimately lead to failure, even if the stresses are below the material's yield strength. This is particularly relevant in aviation, where components can experience repeated loads throughout their operational life. Understanding fatigue is crucial for maintaining and inspecting aircraft components, as it helps predict potential failures and ensures safety.

The other terms presented describe different material degradation processes. Complete failure from corrosion refers to deterioration caused by chemical reactions, while continuous deformation under minimal load implies a different mechanism often associated with creep. Degradation from environmental exposure outlines the effects of external factors like moisture or temperature, which is not specifically related to the cyclic loading conditions that characterize fatigue.