The document is comprised of papers presented at the Air Force Conference on Fatigue of Aircraft Structures and Materials, sponsored by the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory (AFFDL) and the Air Force Materials Laboratory (AFML), Air Force Systems Command. The purpose of the Conference was to discuss technological advancements in fatigue and fracture theory. The Conference was comprised of ten technical sessions (including two panel discussions) entitled 'The Role of Materials in Structures'; 'Fundamentals I + II'; 'Criteria'; 'Fracture I + II'; 'Phenomena I + II'; 'Analysis'; 'Design and Service Experience'. A total of fifty-six technical papers were presented.

The report reviews the application of applied fracture mechanics in the design, analysis and qualification of aircraft structural systems. Recent service experiences are cited. Current trends in high strength materials application are reviewed with particular emphasis on the manner in which fracture toughness and structural efficiency may affect the material selection process. General fracture control procedures are reviewed in depth with specific reference to the impact of inspectability, structural arrangement and material on proposed analysis requirements for safe crack growth. The relative impact on allowable design stress is indicated by example. Design criteria, material and analysis requirements for implementation of fracture control procedures are reviewed together with limitation in current available data techniques. A summary of items which require further study and attention is presented.

Discusses applications of failures and evaluation techniques to a variety of industries. * Presents a unified approach using two key elements of structural design.