Fatigue Studies in Aviation in Light of the 1988 Aloha Airlines Incident

Abstract

State-of-the-art solutions engineered for aircraft manufacturing and assembly are listed among the top engineering advancements. Today aircraft manufacturing must be focused on future-oriented structure assembly and automation, one can perhaps say this field of expertise is a harmony of art and science when considering the fluid mechanics involved in commercial aircraft during cruise flight, with average conditions being -550C, 1/5 PAtm, and under variable precipitation. It is noteworthy to mention here that the speed of these aircraft is about 800 km/h, and with a relatively lower oxygen ratio, strong wind shears are another other phenomena which aircraft must bear while providing a smooth and comfortable journey for passengers. Since the aircraft operating environment is severe as highlighted, any failure in any of the parts and/or components significantly jeopardizes safety. This failure may originate from a fatigue fracture or a systematic phenomenon.