Endurance Limit

In fatigue testing, the number of cycles which may be withstood without failure at a particular level of stress.

Generally 'infinite' life means more than 10⁷ cycles to failure.

If the term is used without qualification, the cycles of stress are usually such as to produce complete reversal of flexural stress. Above this limit failure occurs by the generation and growth of cracks until fracture results in the remaining section.

See also: Fatigue.