In many cases including rotating and reciprocating parts in high-speed machines it may be straightforward to define the loads. Where the situation is more complex and random events occur either a loading simulation or data acquisition can be used to define the load sets. Rationalizing the data can identify the individual events that cause most of the damage to a component.

The smallest radii on a complex casting or the production weld detail can now be modelled and analysed against comprehensive loading spectra.