Fatigue strength, also known as endurance limit or fatigue limit, refers to the maximum amount of cyclic stress that a material can withstand for a specified number of cycles before failure occurs. This concept is particularly important in engineering and materials science, as many materials can fail when subjected to repeated loading and unloading, even if the applied stress levels are well below their ultimate tensile strength.

Fatigue failure typically occurs due to the accumulation of microscopic cracks in the material caused by cyclic loading. These cracks gradually propagate until they reach a critical size, at which point catastrophic failure can occur, even at stress levels well below the material's ultimate strength.

The fatigue strength of a material is influenced by various factors, including its composition, microstructure, surface finish, and environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Engineers use fatigue strength data to design components and structures that will endure repeated loading over their intended lifespan without failing prematurely.

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