This advanced course delves into the critical relationship between material selection, structural design, and the long-term durability of aerospace vehicles. It goes beyond fundamental material properties to focus on the structural integrity of airframes and components under operational loads and harsh environments. The course emphasizes a damage-tolerant approach to design and maintenance, critical for both new development and legacy platform sustainment. Participants will explore the mechanisms of material degradation, advanced analysis techniques for predicting component life, and the regulatory frameworks that ensure safe operation throughout an aircraft’s lifecycle.