Polymer fatigue: mechanism, mechanics and design
Dichao Ning1, Mengyao Yang2, Qian Shi1
1State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China. shiqian@xjtu.edu.cn.
Materials Horizons
|July 7, 2026
Summary
Fatigue failures in polymers, common in aircraft wings and tires, are addressed by enhancing material durability. This review offers a framework for high-durability polymer research, covering mechanisms, mechanics, and design strategies.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Structural failures in components like aircraft wings and tires are frequently caused by material fatigue.
- Polymers accumulate irreversible damage under cyclic loading, leading to eventual failure.
- Enhancing polymer fatigue resistance is crucial for improving structural integrity and lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a theoretical basis and methodological framework for high-durability polymer research.
- To comprehensively review polymer fatigue from the perspectives of mechanisms, mechanics, and design.
- To guide the development and application of next-generation anti-fatigue polymers.
Main Methods:
- Review of fatigue tests, damage accumulation theories, and fatigue crack growth models.
- Analysis of crack initiation and propagation in thermosets, thermoplastics, elastomers, and hydrogels.
- Discussion of factors influencing polymer fatigue properties and anti-fatigue strategies across multiple length scales.
Main Results:
- New mechanisms and mechanical theories have advanced the understanding of fatigue resistance principles.
- Novel designs have demonstrated improvements in polymer fatigue properties.
- A comprehensive overview of polymer fatigue, including influencing factors and mitigation strategies, is presented.
Conclusions:
- The review enhances the understanding of polymer fatigue mechanisms and mechanics.
- It provides practical strategies for improving polymer fatigue resistance through design and material selection.
- This work aims to significantly advance fatigue research and support the creation of superior anti-fatigue polymers.
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