Course
Introduction to Fatigue Analysis with FEA

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 course provides a practical, software-independent introduction to fatigue analysis with the Finite Element Method, helping you get started quickly and confidently.

Course details

Training dates 2025
February 19–20, 2025
Duration
2 consecutive days
Location
Antwerp (BE)
Cost
1,525 euros (excluding VAT) – early bird price valid until January 18, 2025
1,695 euros (excluding VAT) – standard price from January 19, 2025
Language
Dutch
Cancellation policy
Up to two weeks before: no charge. From two weeks before: 50% of total cost. Less than five days before: full amount due.
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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?

  • 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.
  • How and when to apply different fatigue and fracture mechanics techniques, depending on the specific requirements of your project.
  • How essential accurate stress results are for predicting fatigue life and how you can ensure this accuracy in your analyses.
  • 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 results.

Benefits of the course

 Software independent
Our course is designed to be universally applicable, regardless of the specific FEA software you use. The knowledge you gain 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 learning costs and maximizing productivity. You will learn how to perform complex analyses faster and with greater precision, resulting in better design decisions.
 Prevent costly errors
Learn 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 for convincing colleagues and clients of the reliability of your work.
 Immediately applicable knowledge
The focus is on practical skills and insights that you can immediately apply in your work. A structured step-by-step approach makes your calculations significantly more efficient and accurate from day one.

Course programme

  • 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

Ready to master fatigue analysis?

Register for the next session or get in touch if you have questions about the course content, schedule or group bookings.

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Looking for a professional fatigue & durability analysis of your design? We also offer consulting services to predict fatigue life, evaluate crack growth and assess weld fatigue.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about our fatigue analysis course.

Participants are required to have a basic knowledge of strength of materials. Additionally, familiarity with the fundamentals of the finite element method is essential. This prior knowledge is crucial for fully understanding and applying the advanced concepts discussed during the course.

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

Yes. At the beginning of the course, all participants receive a printed version of the slides. In addition, the slides are 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.

Absolutely. 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.

Yes, we are ready to answer your questions both during and after the course. Please note that our courses are software-independent, so we are unable to provide support for questions specific to certain software packages.

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

All our courses are delivered by engineers who are experts in their respective fields. Each instructor brings at least 15 years of hands-on experience, ensuring a rich, in-depth learning experience grounded in real-world practice.

We understand that circumstances can change. Our cancellation policy is as follows: if cancelled up to two weeks before the course, no charge is incurred. If cancelled from two weeks before the start, 50% of the total cost is charged. If cancelled less than three days before the start, the full amount is due. Please inform us as soon as possible if you need to cancel, so we can potentially offer your spot to another participant. For cancellations, please contact us by email.

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