MSC Fatigue is an advanced fatigue life estimation software package for use with finite element analysis results. It provides state-of-the-art fatigue analysis tools which can be used to optimize the life of a product early in the design process. MSC Fatigue has been developed jointly by nCode International Ltd. and MSC.Software Corporation (MSC). nCode is a recognized leader worldwide in durability management solutions with specialties in fatigue life estimation software systems and consultancy services. MSC in the world market leader in finite element analysis solutions.

MSC Fatigue can run on its own with its own graphical pre- and postprocessor but is also tightly integrated into the MSC Patran environment. All of MSC Fatigue’s analysis capabilities and generated results are available from within the MSC Patran environment. However, it is flexible enough to be run outside of the MSC Patran or its own graphical environment. With the tight integration within MSC Patran, the casual user will never need to be aware that separate programs are actually used.

For the expert user, there are various components that make up MSC Fatigue: a PCL (PATRAN Command Language) library to provide the customization of MSC Patran for MSC Fatigue, a translator to convert model data from MSC Patran into the fatigue analysis code and to bring results from the fatigue analysis code back into the MSC Patran database, as well as the various fatigue analysis modules that make up MSC Fatigue itself.

MSC Fatigue is used most effectively within its own pre- and postprocessor or within the MSC Patran environment and not in isolation. It requires loading data and material properties which will often be supplied by measurement and materials test laboratories respectively and also requires preprocessing of finite element stress data. The fatigue life estimation process embodied in a MSC Fatigue analysis can also be correlated with test results. The integration of the measurement, test, and design analysis functions, to develop optimized products, is known as Integrated Durability Management (IDM). IDM is the key to the effective use of MSC Fatigue. See Technology Integration for Durability Management.