Study Introduces Coupled Methods for Detecting Fatigue Damage in Notched Composite Structures

The research focuses on fatigue testing supported by non-destructive diagnostic techniques. These approaches aim to evaluate the stability and load-carrying capacity of composite materials used in engineering applications.

The experiments involved thin-walled structures made from carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. Notches of varying types were introduced to simulate real-world imperfections or design features. Fatigue loading conditions were applied to observe damage progression over time.

Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods were integrated with traditional fatigue experiments to monitor internal damage without compromising the samples. This coupling allows for real-time assessment of material degradation.

The research included tests on thin-walled structures made from carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites with notches.

The findings provide insights into how notches affect fatigue performance in composite materials. No financial support was received for the research, authorship, or publication of the article.

The authors declared no competing financial interests or personal relationships that could influence the work.

This study contributes to the understanding of fatigue in notched composites.

0 International License, permitting use, sharing, adaptation, and reproduction with appropriate credit.

It was received on January 7, 2026, accepted on April 10, 2026, and published on April 14, 2026. 1038/s41598-026-48942-0.