What describes the stress experienced during the transition from flight to landing?

The transition from flight to landing involves a significant change in forces acting on an aircraft, and the term that best describes the stress experienced during this process is cyclic loading.

Cyclic loading refers to repeated variations in stress and load that an aircraft structure undergoes, particularly during phases like flight and landing. When an aircraft approaches landing, components are subjected to alternating loads due to the aerodynamic forces, engine thrust, and the pressure of landing gear contacting the runway. This creates a cyclical pattern of stress that can impact the material properties and structural integrity over time.

In aviation, understanding how cyclic loading affects airframes and equipment is crucial for predicting maintenance needs and ensuring safety. Assessing the cumulative effects of these cycles informs how often components need to be inspected and how they are designed to withstand such stresses.