Editorial: Special Issue on Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics

The study of fatigue and fracture behaviors in engineered components remains a critical area across multiple disciplines. Limits on materials behavior are among the most significant technical challenges to enhancing the safety and reliability of engineering systems. Thus, accurately defining recent advancements in analytical methods and testing techniques within fatigue and fracture mechanics for engineered structures, components, and materials is essential. This analysis encompasses both experimental research and recent developments in modeling approaches. Key areas of interest include applications of emerging analytical tools and novel experimental techniques to assess and improve durability and damage tolerance using multiscale or multiphysics-based approaches; studies on the effects of additive manufacturing processes on fatigue and fracture properties; and implications of improved modeling and experimental capabilities on fatigue life forecasting and structural health monitoring strategies. In this context, a special issue in Materials Performance and Characterization offers readers valuable insights for their research. The call for papers attracted high-quality contributions from leading scientists and engineers resulting in 11 full-length manuscripts. The main topics covered include fatigue crack growth fracture, propagation, toughness fatigue, and damage failure inspection repair. The editorial teams extend their heartfelt thanks to the authors and reviewers for their dedication and to the ASTM staff for their support in bringing this issue to publication. We hope these papers provide valuable contributions to ongoing research efforts in fatigue and fracture mechanics.