Abstract: Fatigue failure analysis processes and fatigue life assessment methods for metal materials are reviewed. The evaluation theories and models which were used widely in engineering, such as the Miner linear cumulative damage theory, the energy method, the elastic-plastic finite element method, the overload retardation model, are mainly introduced. The application conditions, advantages and disadvantages of these methods and models are also analyzed. With the development of the experimental technique and computer simulation technology, the assumptions will be more accuracy. Therefore the combined method of experiment and computer simulation for the fatigue life prediction and assessment of metal materials will be one of the most important development directions in the future.