winLIFE - Durability analysis

The benefits of performing durability assessment as part of the design process are well known.

winLIFE is a software product which enables any CAE engineer to utilise results of a finite element analysis or hand calculation to carry out sophisticated and accurate fatigue life computations.

winLIFE makes complex fatigue life assessment both achievable and affordable.

winLIFE is made by two modules: winLIFE Basic and winLIFE Multiaxial, for scaling up the analysis complexity from uniaxial stress or strain based fatigue to advanced multiaxial calculations, based on state-of-the-art fatigue theories.

winLIFE Basic

winLIFE basic is capable of performing uniaxial fatigue life analyses; from conventional stress based analyses to 'low cycle' strain based analyses with plasticity correction. Mean stress corrections can be accounted for using standard methods and endurance modifiers such as surface finish, temperature etc are all available to the user.

 

Material Database Any successful fatigue analysis is dependant entirely on accurate material data. winLIFE is shipped with an extensive material database. The database contains material data for stress life curves (SN) and strain life curves (EN) together with component data for welded joints to BS7608. The database is fully editable allowing users to add data as it is made available. winLIFE also includes the capability to 'estimate' fatigue material data, from readily available static mechanical properties, using standard empirical relationships.

Load histories Within winLIFE, a load history can be explicitly defined, or read from an external file. Load history and load spectrum approaches are allowed. A built-in interface enable the load spectrum generation according with the Rainflow algorithm.  winLIFE Basic is capable of performing fatigue calculations using stress results from multiple loadcases. Results from multiple loadcases can be scaled individually using separate load histories and analysed as a combined loadcase. Alternatively, stress states from individual loadcases can be used in sequence to produce the cyclic stress history. The biaxiality ratio plot is provided, for the understanding of whether an uniaxial fatigue analysis is applicable or a more sophisticated multiaxial one is required (winLIFE multiaxial).

Analysis Options winLIFE gives the more experienced user a wide choice of fatigue analysis methods, including several options for the definition of the type of stress to be used (principal, signed Von Mises, etc.) for the formulation of the mean stress correction, plasticity etc. Analysis Speed winLIFE offers the user several choices to aid speed of calculation. Each of these may be selected individually depending upon the required speed, reliability and desired output. When dealing with results coming from a FE analysis, the user may choose to analyse all of the model or parts of the model. The model may be selectively analysed based on user defined 'groups' or by a given percentage of nodes based on a ranked nodal maximum stress range.

Post-processing winLIFE includes post processing tools in form of matrix and diagram visualization of the most relevant quantities with respect to fatigue damage, such as Rainflow matrix, S-N curve superposed to the load spectrum, Haigh diagram with load point indication, etc. A 3D visualization of the contour map of the fatigue damage can be obtained via the facility to export WinLIFE results to formats which may be read back into commonly used FE software/postprocessor (e.g. Femap, ANSYS, Medina, GiD, ...). winLIFE also includes an automated report writer which enables the user to quickly create and export summary reports of the analyses just performed. This can be used to save considerable time and effort compiling written reports and maximising the time available for analysis.

winLIFE Multiaxial

Very often, in real-world cases, due to the nature of the loadings an uniaxial approach to fatigue is not accurately applicable. Every time that the principal stress direction changes during the load history (such as with non-proportional loadings), a multiaxial fatigue calculation is required.

For handling multiaxial problems, the winLIFE Multiaxial module must be added to the winLIFE Basic software.

Multiaxial Fatigue Theories winLIFE Multiaxial can perform fatigue life prediction under multiaxial cases by using a range of algorithms based on the most recent advances in fatigue theories (SWT, Bergmann, Findley, ...). Critical plane approaches based on damage parameters related to stress or strain are fully implemented.

Strain Gauge Interface When strain rosettes are used and the strain is measured, a fatigue calculation based on these data can be carried out with winLIFE Multiaxial. The experimental data can be read directly and a dedicated graphical interface is available for their interpretation and manipulation.

winLIFE is produced by Steinbeis Transfer Center. SmartCAE is the official reseller of winLIFE in Italy.

	Brochure winLIFE Basic
	Brochure winLIFE Multiaxial