Vibration-Based Fatigue Analysis: Predicting Component Durability with ANSYS Mechanical

Vibration-Based Fatigue Analysis: Predicting Component Durability with ANSYS Mechanical


In real operating conditions, components are exposed not only to static loads but also to continuous dynamic effects such as road irregularities, engine vibrations, sudden impacts, and speed variations. These repeated vibration loads gradually weaken materials over time and may lead to unexpected failures.

At FE-TECH İleri Mühendislik, we utilize ANSYS Mechanical’s Modal Analysis and Fatigue (S-N) modules to accurately predict how long a component can withstand vibration-based loading.

Why Perform Vibration-Based Fatigue Analysis?

Because vibration is one of the most common causes of hidden durability issues.

Even a very small vibration, when repeated thousands or millions of times, can lead to:

Micro-crack initiation

Material weakening

Loss of stiffness

Final failure or field damage

In the automotive industry, components such as suspension arms, brackets, subframe parts, engine mounts, exhaust hangers, and chassis structures are highly sensitive to vibration-related fatigue.

Step One: Modal Analysis (Natural Frequencies)

The first stage is to determine how the component behaves dynamically.

Through modal analysis, we identify:

Natural frequencies

Mode shapes

Stiffness characteristics

Possible weak points

Resonance risks

If operating frequencies overlap with natural frequencies, fatigue life drops drastically due to resonance. Therefore, modal analysis is the foundation of fatigue prediction.

Stress Response Under Vibration: Harmonic / Spectrum Analysis

After modal analysis, the component is subjected to the actual vibration frequencies from its operating environment.

This stage reveals:

Stress levels

Vibration amplitudes

Critical zones

Frequency-dependent loading effects

These results are then used directly in the fatigue analysis module.

Fatigue Analysis: Predicting the True Life of the Component

With ANSYS Fatigue, we evaluate the long-term effects of vibration on durability.

This analysis provides:

Fatigue life prediction (number of cycles)

Damage distribution

Identification of critical areas

Reinforcement and design improvement recommendations

Optional geometry optimization

The outcome is a component that is:

✔ Safer
✔ More durable
✔ Optimized
✔ Lighter
✔ Longer-lasting

FE-TECH İleri Mühendislik’s Engineering Approach

We don’t just run simulations; we build the correct loading scenarios by understanding the real-life operating environment of the product.

Our capabilities include:

Creating component-specific vibration spectrums

Applying accurate S–N material curves

Identifying life-limiting regions

Design improvement and weight optimization

Fatigue calculations for welded and bolted joints

Detailed engineering reports and validation support

6. Where Is It Used in Automotive Applications?

Suspension components

Subframe and underbody structures

Engine and transmission mounts

Exhaust hanger systems

Vehicle brackets and carriers

Any metal part exposed to dynamic loading

These analyses reduce unexpected failures and improve the efficiency, safety, and reliability of the development process.

Vibration-based fatigue analysis allows engineers to understand a component’s real durability during the design phase.
At FE-TECH İleri Mühendislik, we use ANSYS Mechanical’s advanced modal and fatigue capabilities to ensure that your products are safer, more reliable, and optimized for long-term performance.

Contact

FE-TECH İleri Mühendislik
📞 +90 (224) 502 45 55
📧 info@fe-tech.com.tr
🌐 www.fe-tech.com.tr