The Finite Element Method has itself asserted as a tool for the calculation of distributions of stresses and train on complex components in many fields of industry. Especially the approach of the FE-processing to the comfort of efficient CAD-systems, which is forced by the FEsoftware producers, will make the group of FE-users expand even in the future. One of the possibly most difficult tasks for a FE-user is the interpretation and judgement of the calculated FE-stresses in regard to a reliable statement about the solidity in operation (life time) of the dynamically stressed components. The problem thereby is the analytic registration and combination of the many complexly interacting influence parameters which have influence to the durability of the components. It is not only limited to the classic field of a FE-user, but includes all fields such as engineering, material, production and conditions of components application. Known analytical methods for the prediction of lifetime such as the classic concept of nominal stress or the local stress-strain concept originate in the analytic calculation of stresses and extensions in a local point. A direct application of the FE-results in the practice is not possible in an easy way, not at least because of the considerable calculated effort of the local stress-strain concept.

Dealing with these problems the Technologie Zentrum Steyr developed the fatigue-software FEMFAT Finite ElementMethod - FATigue) which is based on the results of FE-analysis of solidity in operation as a Sub-FE-Post Processor The basic elements of the numerical fatigue simulation are:

• Linearly calculated FE-stress tensors for static and dynamic parts of load
• Static and dynamic material data of unnotched Specimen
• One or several for the application of the component relevant load spectra
• FE-modelling guide lines for welding seams
• Interactive description and allocation of technological influences (e.g. surface roughness, heat treatment, shot blasting, ...)
• Calculation of local component S/N-curves
• Linear damage accumulation
• Interface to user's post processor for graphical presentation of damage or safety factors distribution

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