Fatigue analysis by local stress concept based on finite element results

The assessment of finite element results for dynamically loaded components requires local S/N-curves, which depend, under further effects, on the type of loading and the stress flow within the component. These influences are described with help of the stress gradient, which can easily be determined with finite element calculations. A model for the calculation of S/N-curves is presented, which takes into account the stress gradient to define the local stress limit, the number of cycles at the fatigue limit and the slope. (C) 2002 Civil-Comp Ltd. and Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.