Digital technology and engineering are increasingly used for aeronautical fatigue and structural integrity assessment. The major digital trends are Virtual Testing, Aircraft Digital Twin and Machine Learning. These currently being developed digital technologies have potential to optimize the traditional test pyramid approach and decision-making on an aircraft lifecycle management.

The use of these technologies leads to cost and lead time reduction in design and product development stage, and to improve safety, reduce maintenance cost, and maximize availability in exploitation stage.

The aim of presentation is to provide a brief overview on digital trends in aeronautical fatigue and structural integrity along with some examples and discussion of these technologies’ benefits and challenges.

The author is the Polish National Delegate for ICAF (The International Committee on Aeronautical Fatigue and Structural Integrity), https://www.icaf.aero/.