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A postprocessor program for the calculation of the fatigue life of components calculated with the finite element method (FEM) is described. Based on the stresses calculated by FEM and the material data of unnotched test specimens, s/n curves in relation to FE nodes are calculated for components taking into account the most varied influencing factors, such as amplitude stress tensor, mean stress tensor, relative stress gradient, surface roughness, technological influences, local plastic deformations etc. The results of the calculations, such as damage distribution and insusceptibility to permanent rupture, are graphically represented in the form of FE colour plots. Besides the possibility of the calculation of the fatigue life of components also costs and time can be reduced during the development phase of vehicles.

Numerous specifications and tight time schedules in the development of special trucks require the application of comprehensive CAE-methods prior to the cross-country test phase. The methods applied to the development of a complete family of offroad-trucks are presented by the following subjects: stress, fatigue and dynamic analyses based on the finite element method calculation of the comfort by multibody systems mobility analysis system dimensioning, e.g. cooling and brake system prediction of the fuel consumption, gradability, acceleration and loading spectra by a computer driving simulation servo-hydraulic tests of vital parts and sybsystems, based on field data acquisition and processing