Perking up fatigue analysis with simulation

Using CAE simulation tools for fatigue and durability offers advantages to off-highway equipment engineers as they have grown in capability.

“The danger of warranty recalls is always an unwelcome possibility when parts fail due to fatigue,” said Neil Bishop, Durability and Fatigue Analyst for MSC Software. Even when a part withstands the stress of a single, ultimate load without breaking, it can still fail by “tiring” after repeated cyclic stress. “Off-highway vehicles are usually subjected to severe load specifications, requiring careful durability analysis,” he goes on to explain.

Today's emphasis on fuel efficiency is making fatigue analysis more important. “Vehicles are generally becoming lighter and using more specialized materials. This is making durability analysis a more complicated process,” he says.