##  [Crack Initiation](/crack-initiation) 

  ##  [Crack Initiation](https://engineering.quantumdictionary.io/crack-initiation-0) 

  

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**Engineering & Applied Technologies Dictionary**

 







 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Definition

The formation of a microscopic discontinuity or flaw in a material—often at a stress concentration, microstructural heterogeneity, surface defect or corrosion pit—under cyclic, static or environmental loading conditions, such that subsequent crack growth may occur under continued loading.