Fatigue design and testing of components

Optimum dimensioning of components presupposes a knowledge of the stresses encountered under representative operating conditions and also, the strength behaviour as a result of design, material and manufacturing. In this case, the requirements concerning the fatigue life to be attained and the functionality (reliability, safety) must be taken into consideration. The parameters affecting operational strength and the methodology for optimum proofed-out dimensioning are discussed within the topics subdivisions of operational strength, statistical treatment of fatigue, parameters affecting component strength, determination and description of service load spectra and component design and testing. The topics under discussion will be restricted to the fatigue behaviour of current metallic component materials, such as forged steel, cast iron and aluminium alloys.