engineering

Fatigue Life Calculator

Calculate factor of safety using Goodman, Soderberg, and Gerber criteria with modified endurance limit correction factors

Fatigue Life Calculator

Calculate factor of safety using Goodman, Soderberg, and Gerber criteria with modified endurance limit.

Criteria

S_e = k_a · k_b · k_c · k_d · k_e · S′_e
Goodman: σ_a/S_e + σ_m/S_ut = 1/n
Soderberg: σ_a/S_e + σ_m/S_y = 1/n
Gerber: (σ_a·n/S_e) + (σ_m·n/S_ut)² = 1
Langer (yield): n_y = S_y/(σ_a + σ_m)

≈ 0.5·S_ut (steel)

Marin Correction Factors

Machined: 0.76–0.9

d<8mm: 1.0

Bending: 1.0

≤70°C: 1.0

99%: 0.814

Modified Endurance Limit

S_e = 229.50 MPa

= 0.9 × 0.85 × 1 × 1 × 1 × 300 MPa

Factors of Safety

Goodman n

1.284

Soderberg n (conservative)

1.219

Gerber n (least conservative)

1.478

Langer (yield) n_y

2.400

Governing Criterion

Soderberg ≤ Goodman ≤ Gerber (most to least conservative)

Goodman: most widely used in practice.

k_a Surface Finish Factor (ka ≈ a·S_ut^b)

Ground: 0.90–0.95Machined: 0.76–0.90Hot-rolled: 0.57–0.76Forged: 0.45–0.57

How to Use This Calculator

1

Enter your input values

Fill in all required input fields for the Fatigue Life Calculator. Most fields include unit selectors so you can work in your preferred unit system.

2

Review your inputs

Double-check that all values are correct and that you have selected the right units for each field. Incorrect units are the most common source of calculation errors.

3

Read the results

The Fatigue Life Calculator instantly computes the output and displays results with units. All calculations happen in your browser — no loading time and no data sent to a server.

Formula Reference

Fatigue Life Calculator Formula

See calculator inputs for the governing equation

Variables: All variables and their units are labeled in the calculator interface above.

When to Use This Calculator

  • Use the Fatigue Life Calculator when solving homework or exam problems that require quick numerical verification of your hand calculations.
  • Use it during the design phase to rapidly iterate on parameters before running detailed finite element simulations.
  • Use it when reviewing a colleague's calculation or checking a vendor's data sheet for plausibility.
  • Use it to generate reference data for a technical report or presentation without manual computation.

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