Thematic Symposia

Please check the symposia list below and choose one of the presented subjects to present your work. You can also contact the symposium organizer in case you wish to clarify anything or simply coordinate your submission with him.

Symposium A - Fatigue and Fracture in Metal Additive Manufacturing. Please contact Prof. Meysam Haghshenas, Prof. Nima Shamsaei, or Prof. Stefano Beretta. For more details please check this link.

Abstract

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is revolutionizing the design and production of complex, high performance components across aerospace, medical, automotive, energy, and other advanced engineering sectors. However, its broader adoption in fatigue- and fracture-critical applications is hindered by the presence of inherent surface and volumetric anomalies, such as porosity, lack of fusion, and surface roughness, originating from its layer-by-layer deposition process and the very rapid solidification dynamics. This symposium aims to advance our understanding of fatigue and fracture behaviour including low cycle, high cycle, and very high cycle, and fracture behaviour in AM-produced materials and structures under a broad range of loading and environmental conditions.

Symposium B - Advances in Offshore Renewable Energy Please contact Dr. Mário Alberto Vieira, Prof. Ricardo Pereira,or Prof. José Correia (Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Portugal). For more details please check this link.

Abstract

The expansion of offshore renewable energy is pushing the limits of structural engineering in marine environments. This symposium will explore recent advances and research challenges related to the structural performance of floating platforms for offshore renewable applications. The scope will encompass hydrodynamic behavior, structural integrity and mooring performance.

Contributions are invited in the following areas, among others: structural analysis and design of offshore platforms (steel and concrete); fatigue and ultimate limit state assessments under environmental loading; hydrodynamic analysis for operational and transport phases; mooring systems—configuration, dynamic response, and load estimation; structural health monitoring and data-driven methods for lifecycle assessment; integration of experimental campaigns and numerical modeling; and applications of machine learning to condition monitoring and predictive maintenance.

The session also welcomes contributions presenting case studies, novel modeling approaches, and interdisciplinary research supporting the safe and cost-effective deployment of offshore renewable systems.

Symposium C - Research into the fatigue life of materials and components in cooperation between companies, research organisations and academia Please contact Assoc. Prof. Miloslav Kepka, Prof. Vladimir Chmelko, For more details please check this link.

Abstract

Communication and cooperation between research organisations, technical universities and industrial enterprises are important for the development of knowledge and technical progress applied in practice. While research organisations and academia are more often engaged in fundamental research, enterprises need to solve specific problems both at the stage of designing new structures and components, and at the stage of their operation, or when solving and eliminating operational failures caused by time-varying loads. Contributions, ideally in the form of specific case studies, are welcome from all areas of industry. Contributions can be focused exclusively on calculations or experiments, but ideally, combine both approaches. It is expected (not mandatory) that industry representatives will be members of the author teams.

Symposium D - Laser Peening and Related Residual Stress Engineering Processes for Fatigue Improvement Please contact Dr. Nikolai Kashaev, Prof. Yuji Sano,or Dr. Domenico Furfari. For more details please check this link.

Abstract

Load-bearing metallic structures and components subjected to cyclic loading often fail due to fatigue. Advanced residual stress engineering techniques, such as laser peening, have proven to be highly effective in suppressing fatigue crack initiation and growth, thereby significantly extending the service life of metallic structures. In addition to enhancing fatigue resistance, surface engineering techniques can also improve corrosion resistance and wear behavior. Achieving optimal application of these residual stress engineering techniques requires a comprehensive understanding across multiple stages — from process simulation and residual stress design to mechanical performance prediction considering the induced stress fields. This symposium focuses on recent advancements in the experimental, numerical, and industrial aspects of applying advanced residual stress engineering methods for extending the service life and reliability.

Symposium E - Beyond the empirical Kitagawa-Takahashi diagram: New insights into defect-driven fatigue behaviour Please contact Dr. Mauro Madia, Prof. Jürgen Bär, Prof. Franck Morel. For more details please check this link.

Abstract

The Kitagawa-Takahashi diagram is an important tool for describing the fatigue limit of components containing cracks or defects. The models used for its description differ, especially in the technically relevant transition (short-crack) region. Hence, for a reliable statement about the fatigue limit in this area, on the one hand an experimental validation of the models is necessary and, on the other, it is imperative to improve the descriptive and predictive capabilities of existing models.

This symposium aims to identify new experimental methods for collecting data, and improved or new models for describing Kitagawa-Takahashi diagrams, thereby contributing to the improvement of service life predictions for components containing defects.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Experimental characterization techniques
• Investigation of influencing parameters, such as defect shape, microstructure and residual stresses
• New or improved models for describing Kitagawa-Takahashi diagrams
• Use of short-crack models for the prediction of Kitagawa-Takahashi diagrams
• Transferability from test coupons to components

The session also welcomes contributions on novel modeling approaches, application case studies, and interdisciplinary research on the advance implementation of VHCF experimental and theoretical approaches.

Symposium F - Fatigue and Fracture of Weldments Please contact Dr. Mauro Madia, Dr. Igor Varfolomeev , For more details please check this link.

Abstract

Weldments play an important role in the design and fabrication of metallic components and large assemblies in strategic industrial sectors, such as construction, transportation, energy, etc. Most welded joints are to be designed against fatigue failure during their service life, whereas crack propagation has to be included into consideration. Furthermore, the energy transition poses new challenges to the structural integrity of weldments, such as the influence of hydrogen in line pipes or the increasing thickness in large monopiles for wind energy.

This symposium aims to provide a forum for the discussion of contemporary challenges in the fatigue and fracture of weldments. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Experimental characterization of the fatigue life under constant and variable amplitude loading
• Testing and fatigue assessment of large assemblies (e.g. monopiles, offshore jackets)
• Influence of environmental conditions (e.g. corrosion, hydrogen)
• Experimental techniques for life extension (e.g. HFMI, weld repair)
• Experimental and numerical analysis of residual stresses
• Fracture mechanics-based fatigue assessment
• Fracture avoidance

The session also welcomes contributions on novel modeling approaches, application case studies, and interdisciplinary research on the advance implementation of VHCF experimental and theoretical approaches.

Symposium G - Mechanics of Fretting Fatigue Please contact Dr. Seán Leen, Dr. Reza Talemi .

Abstract

The aim of this symposium is to facilitate the communication of recent and current progress in the topics of mechanics of fretting fatigue. Submissions are welcomed in relation to the development of experimental, computational and theoretical approaches and methodologies, with applications across the broad range of industrial applications and societal challenges, including energy (especially renewable), biomedical (including pharmaceutical), aerospace, transport, marine, advanced manufacturing (e.g. additive, joining, welding), structural. Some example themes are as follows:

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Variable loading fretting fatigue conditions (How to deal with cumulative damage)
• Interactions between fatigue, wear, fretting and corrosion processes, such as offshore applications
• Fretting palliatives, e.g. beneficial residual stress treatments, coatings
• Fretting fatigue damage evolution as a function of applied displacement amplitude: interaction between wear, fatigue cracking and plasticity
• Fretting fatigue damage prediction: stress gradient effects for prediction of crack nucleation
• Crack propagation for fretting fatigue.
• Multi-scale fretting fatigue analysis, e.g. how a local mono contact analysis can be extrapolated to predict fretting fatigue for multi-contact assemblies (e.g. multi-strand cable applications); crystal plasticity modelling for fretting and fatigue

Symposium H - Peridynamic Simulation of Failure Initiation and Growth in Structures under Static, Cyclic, and Dynamic Loading Please contact Prof. Erdogan Madenci (USA), Prof. Yile Hu (China). Prof. Mehmet Dorduncu (Turkey).

Abstract

Since its inception, Peridynamics has had a transformative impact on modeling material behavior, offering a robust framework capable of naturally capturing discontinuities such as cracks, fragmentation, and other failure mechanisms. Unlike classical continuum theories that rely on spatial derivatives and struggle with discontinuous fields, Peridynamics provides a powerful nonlocal formulation that has proven highly effective in simulating and predicting material damage and failure across a wide range of applications-from impact and penetration problems in defense, to fracture and delamination in aerospace composites, to thermal shock and oxidation-driven cracking in high-temperature ceramics. Building on this strong foundation, the field continues to advance rapidly, supported by ongoing theoretical developments, refined constitutive models, and improvements in computational algorithms that enable high-fidelity simulations of increasingly complex systems. This session aims to bring together researchers working at the forefront of Peridynamics to present current developments, emerging methodologies, and real-world applications of the theory for failure prediction in materials subjected to general loading conditions. The goal of the session is to foster scientific exchange, highlight innovative contributions, identify ongoing challenges, and promote collaborative opportunities that will further advance Peridynamics as a predictive tool for understanding material failure in complex engineering environments.

Symposium I - Numerical simulation of fatigue crack growth Please contact Aleksandar Sedmak, Aleksandar Grbovic. Simon Sedmak.

Abstract

One of the most important tool of life assessment is FEM, including XFEM, as applied to simulate fatigue crack growth. Modeling of cracks by using classical FEM approach requires mesh to contain discontinuity of geometry and successive generation of a mesh to follow change of discontinuity. To overcome this problem, the eXtended FEM was introduced in nineties as a new approach to represent fracture surfaces within a standard Galerkin-based method. In the meantime a morphing, adaptive, and remeshing technique (SMART) was introduce providing automatic remeshing during crack growth. These two techniques are widely used nowadays to simulate fatigue crackj growth. We invite researches to join this symposium with examples of XFEM and SMART simulation of fatigue crack growth, especially in a complex 3D problems.

Symposium J - Very High Cycle Fatigue: Experimental methods, specimens and machines, and damage mechanisms Please contact Prof. Eberhard Kerscher , Prof. Herwig Mayer , Prof. Luís Reis , Prof. Pedro Rodrigues da Costa , Prof. Thierry Palin-Luc , Prof. Ulrich Krupp .

Abstract

Grasping the complex phenomenon associated with fatigue testing at extreme number of cycles is crucial for designing and ensuring the reliability of aerospace, automotive, and structural components. This session will address the advancements on Very High Cycle Fatigue (VHCF) regime through comprehensive experimental methodologies, innovative specimen design and modelling techniques, and detailed analysis of damage mechanisms and predictive models. The intricate nature of the required experimental and analytical approaches has significant challenges to accurately study a wide range of materials. By bridging High Cycle Fatigue (HCF) and VHCF, we can enhance our ability to characterize material behavior, predict and mitigate structural failure, and ultimately safeguard long-term integrity and durability of engineering systems. Contributions are invited in (but not limited to) the following areas:

Advanced testing methods and characterization techniques

Damage mechanisms and predictive models

Machine learning applications in VHCF

Multiaxial HCF and VHCF

Size and environmental effects

The session also welcomes contributions on novel modeling approaches, application case studies, and interdisciplinary research on the advance implementation of VHCF experimental and theoretical approaches.

Symposium K - Mechanism-based fatigue analysis including AI approaches Please contact Dr.-Ing. Mustafa Awd, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Walther.

Abstract

This symposium centers on mechanism-based fatigue analysis, emphasizing the fundamental understanding of fatigue damage mechanisms such as cyclic hardening and softening, crack initiation and propagation, under consideration of influences of microstructure and defects. Research contributions are encouraged to explore how processing and microstructure evolution affect fatigue behavior, with particular attention to advanced manufacturing methods like laser-based additive processes. Studies should prioritize defect and phase-level characterization, environmental effects, and the development of predictive elastic & plastic fracture mechanics models and digital twins rooted in mechanistic insights. AI approaches are welcomed as complementary tools that enhance mechanistic fatigue prediction, supporting the integration of data-driven methods with physical understanding to enable more accurate life assessment and improved design of fatigue-resistant components.

Symposium L - Vibration Fatigue and Fracture Please contact Prof. Shengchuan Wu, Prof. Enrico Salvati, Prof. Lulu Liu.

Abstract

Service reliability of key components of high-end equipment requires the exploration of advanced materials (e.g., metal alloys, composites, and metamaterials) and the consideration of complex spectrum loading and vibration conditions, including their impact on crack initiation and propagation. Currently, the integration of artificial intelligence and failure physics provides new cutting-edge opportunities for data fusion-based service performance and structural innovations, enabling intelligent identification and modelling of the intricate interrelationships among material behaviours, environmental factors, and scholastic vibration responses. Accordingly, this session highlights the following research directions:

Vibration fatigue evaluation methods considering damage evolution under extreme environments;

Vibration fatigue and fracture failure mechanisms of lightweight materials and structures;

Digital twin-based vibration fatigue and fracture monitoring and modelling techniques;

Machine learning for vibration-based fatigue crack growth and life assessment;

Dynamic vibration fatigue crack identification by multi-modal data fusion methods;

Vibration fatigue crack initiation and growth prediction under spectrum loading with fracture mechanics-based models and AI-enhanced techniques.

The extended abstract in this Symposium will be invited to submit their work to Engineering Fracture Mechanics (SI: Vibration Tolerance). Please also find the website here.