Course
Introduction to fatigue analysis with FEA

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Course dates 2024
27–28 May 2024
Course Duration
2 consecutive days
Location
Izegem (BE)
Price
1.525 euro (excl. VAT) – price valid until April 26, 2024
1.695 euro (excl. VAT) – price valid from April 27, 2024
Language
Dutch

Material fatigue a significant problem

Fatigue in materials and structures presents a challenging problem in the engineering world. Despite its recognition since the 19th century, this form of material failure is often overlooked. Correctly predicting and analysing fatigue remains a complex task that requires thorough knowledge. This is where our course, Introduction to fatigue analysis with the finite element method, can help you get started quickly.

Why this course?

This course is designed to equip engineers and designers with the necessary skills and knowledge to efficiently and accurately perform fatigue analyses. We unravel the complex process of fatigue analysis into clearly defined steps, provide insight into the underlying physical phenomena, and demonstrate how you can successfully implement practical solutions using calculation tools such as Excel, Python or the Finite Element Method (FEM).

Who is this course for?

  • Engineers and designers involved in evaluating structural durability.
  • Professionals who wish to refresh or deepen their knowledge about material fatigue and determining the lifespan of components.
  • Anyone interested in efficiently performing fatigue analyses, with the help of advanced FEA software or more accessible tools like Excel or Python.

What will you learn in this course?

  • Design philosophies for structural durability.
  • Different techniques for determining fatigue life: S-N and E-N methods, and evaluation methods for crack growth.
  • Background and insight into the fundamental principles of fracture mechanics, such as LEFM, and how this knowledge can be applied to assess the life of structures after the initiation of cracks.
  • You will learn how and when to apply different fatigue and fracture mechanics techniques, depending on the specific requirements of your project.
  • Discover how essential accurate stress results are for predicting the fatigue life and how you can ensure this accuracy in your analyses.
  • You will be guided through a step-by-step process to successfully perform a fatigue analysis from start to finish, from the initial setup to the final evaluation and interpretation of the results.

Benefits of the course

 Software independent
Our course is designed to be universally applicable, regardless of the specific (FEA) software you use. This means that the knowledge gained is broadly applicable, keeping you flexible in your choice of tools and technologies.
 Accelerate your learning process and achieve accurate results
The investment in this course pays off quickly. You will learn how to maximize the potential of your software and hardware investments in a short time, minimizing the costs associated with the learning process and maximizing productivity. You will learn how to perform complex analyses faster and with greater precision, resulting in better design decisions and a more efficient design process.
 Prevent costly errors
Prevent costly errors by learning a thorough foundation in fatigue problem analysis. This allows you to identify potential problems early and make informed design decisions that can save significant costs in the long run.
 Create confidence in your results
With the knowledge and skills you acquire, you can confidently interpret and defend the results of your analyses. This confidence is crucial, not only for your personal satisfaction and peace of mind, but also for convincing colleagues and clients of the reliability of your analyses.
 Immediately applicable knowledge
The focus is on practical skills and insights that you can immediately apply in your work. This ensures that you can start analysing and solving fatigue problems right after completing the course. Learning a step-by-step plan also makes your calculations significantly more efficient and accurate.

Content of the course

  • Introduction to fatigue as a failure mechanism
    • Definition of material fatigue
    • Microscopic and macroscopic material behaviour subject to cyclic loading
    • Historical and contemporary fatigue assessment practices
  • Factors influencing the fatigue life of components
  • Overview of fatigue analysis methods
    • General methods for the assessment of structural durability
    • Effect of mean stress
    • Fatigue correction factors
  • High-cycle fatigue (S–N or Stress–Life)
    • Concepts of high-cycle fatigue and fatigue strength
    • Fatigue properties of materials and how to measure them
    • Palmgren-Miner’s rule for damage accumulation
  • Low-cycle fatigue (E–N or Strain–Life)
    • Concepts of low-cycle fatigue
    • Fatigue properties of materials and how to measure them
    • Stress concentrations near notches
    • Local plasticity and notch corrections according to Neuber
  • Residual stresses
  • Fatigue under variable amplitude loading
  • Multiaxial loading
  • Fatigue of welded joints
  • Fatigue of bolted joints
  • Introduction to fracture mechanics
    • LEFM
    • Assessment of structures with (pre-)existing cracks
    • Analysis of fast crack growth and fracture
  • Special fatigue conditions
    • Surface treatments
    • Corrosion
    • High and low temperature fatigue
  • Designing against fatigue of structures

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of prior knowledge is expected from participants?

For this specific course, participants are required to have a basic knowledge of strength of materials. Additionally, it is essential that participants are familiar with the fundamentals of the finite element method. This prior knowledge is crucial for fully understanding and applying the advanced concepts discussed during the course.

What materials or equipment will I need?

Pen and paper are sufficient. A laptop may be brought, but is not necessary.

Is a syllabus provided?

At the beginning of the course, all students will receive a printed version of the slides. In addition, the slides will also be sent as a PDF file to each participant. This PDF is a personal copy, named for each participant, and is intended for individual use only.

Can questions be asked during the course?

Absolutely, asking questions during the course is highly encouraged. We believe in an interactive learning environment where both participants and instructors can learn from each other. Your questions contribute to a richer learning experience for everyone.

Is support available during or after the course?

We are ready to answer all your questions, both during and after the course. However, please note that our courses are designed to be software-independent. Therefore, we are unable to provide support for questions that are specific to certain software packages.

Do participants receive a certificate upon completion of the course?

Yes. Participants will receive a certificate of participation at the end of the course.

Who conducts the course?

All our courses are delivered by engineers who are experts in their respective fields. Each instructor brings at least 15 years of experience, ensuring a rich, in-depth learning experience. Our team of trainers is dedicated to sharing their knowledge and expertise, thus equipping every participant with the skills and insights necessary for success.

Are classroom courses also available as online courses?

Not yet, but over the course of 2024, all our courses will become accessible through our advanced online learning platform. This offers our participants the flexibility to learn in a way that best suits their lifestyle. For more information about our online courses, or if you have suggestions for other courses you would like to see online, we invite you to contact us via email us. We look forward to supporting you in your learning journey!

What is the cancellation policy?

We understand that circumstances can change unexpectedly. To accommodate the needs of all participants and meet our organizational commitments, we adhere to the following cancellation policy:

  • If cancelled up to two weeks before the course, no charge will be incurred.
  • If cancelled from two weeks before the start of the course, 50% of the total cost will be charged.
  • If cancelled less than three days before the start of the course, the full amount is due.

We advise you to inform us as soon as possible if you need to cancel your registration. This allows us to potentially offer your spot to another interested participant. For cancellations or more information, please contact us via email us.

What are the payment terms?

The invoice for the course will be sent two weeks before the start of the course. Invoices must be paid within 30 days of the invoice date.