The Assessment and Use of Linear Static FE Stress Analyses for Durability Calculations

This paper considers some aspects of the use of linear elastic FE analysis as a basis for durability calculations. It specifically considers problems that can be treated as quasi-static and describes the use of inertia relief. However, much of the discussion is also applicable to situations that can better be represented as dynamic. It provides guide-lines for FE modelling for durability analyses including the requirements for mesh quality and for load and boundary condition definition. It also describes a novel way of looking at surface stress information, and reviews some of the methods of getting from linear elastic FE stresses and load histories to realistic elastic-plastic stress and strain histories.