Description The principal failure mode in high speed machinery is high cycle fatigue failure. The familiar S-N curves and related methodologies are usually employed in Design. However this becomes more problematic when using the stress results derived from finite element analysis. This project will investigate the use of finite element in the design process with the overall aim to provide an improved design tool. Key Objectives To develop macros within the finite element packages ANSYS or ABAQUS to allow calculation of the fatigue life of mechanical components. Alternatively students can use existing tools within FE codes to investigate fatigue life assessment.