Abstract：The safety and service life of aircraft metallic structures are dominated by fatigue failure, and corresponding academic research and engineering practice have been developing in mutual promotion. This paper concludes the features of fatigue problems in aircraft metallic structures; reviews the existing three fundamental methodologies of fatigue analysis, i.e. approach based on material fatigue properties, approach based on structural fatigue qualities, and approach based on fracture mechanics; dissects the respective intentions, procedures and potential developments for each methodology; discusses the revolutionary effects of progress in academic research and analysis methods on the anti-fatigue strategies for aircraft metallic structures. On the above basis, several concepts in fatigue research and some simplifications as well as assumptions in related methods are discussed; combined with new challenges and ideas raised by the development and application of advanced materials and innovate structures, as well as new requirements on fatigue and damage tolerance evaluations for future aircraft structures, this paper finally prospects the future research directions of fatigue analysis methods and methodologies.
2023, Vol. 44 
