FKM Guideline

The FKM Guideline (Analytical Strength Assessment of Components) is a set of technical rules published by Forschungskuratorium Maschinenbau e.V. (FKM). It provides a standardised procedure for calculating the strength of components in mechanical engineering and related industrial sectors.

The FKM guideline is used to reliably and traceably verify the load-bearing capacity of metallic components under various types of loading, such as static, dynamic and cyclic. It is particularly used for the following components:

• Bar-shaped, plate-shaped and solid components
• Welded joints
• Components with notches or stress peaks
• FEM-based calculations (Finite Element Method)

The guideline covers:

• Static strength verification
• Fatigue strength verification (including endurance, time and fatigue strength)
• Fracture mechanics strength verification for components with manufacturing defects
• Non-linear strength verification for elastic-plastic material behaviour

The FKM guideline is organised into several volumes. The following volumes are implemented in winLIFE:

• Analytical Strength Assessment of Components
• Fracture mechanics strength assessment
• Non-linear strength assessment