Abstract: Recent advances in fatigue crack growth simulation technology make it possible to predict crack size and shape as a function of load cycles for more complex structural configurations than previously possible. These technology advances, often based on computing stress intensity factors (SIFs) using the finite element method (FEM), allow the removal of many of the limiting assumptions previously required for analysis but also introduce new sources of error (the errors of approximation) which must be considered and controlled for effective use of numerical simulation in the prediction of fatigue life.

Originally presented as a track presentation at the 2017 ASIP conference in Jacksonville, FL.