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A technique to determine which loads or combination of loads that contribute to the fatigue damage of a component is proposed. Knowing critical loads allows a designer the opportunity to better optimize designs. This information also helps accelerate durability evaluation procedures (both analytical and laboratory based). The technique involves the use of a computer-based FEA method incorporating conventional fatigue life prediction algorithms to assess component durability on an element-by-element basis. After a global fatigue analysis of the entire component, the critical element(s) are identified. A statistical approach, based on a factorial design of experiments, is then applied to assess the effect of varying combinations of component input loads on the predicted durability of these elements. This approach provides a methodology for keeping computational time to a minimum whilst developing a comprehensive understanding of the behavior of the critical areas.