Finite element analysis (FEA) is a numerical technique used to find approximate solutions to partial differential equations. It divides a complex problem into small elements that can be solved together. FEA uses a grid of nodes and meshes to model how a structure will react to loads based on its material properties. It can be used for structural, vibrational, fatigue, and heat transfer analysis to help engineers design structures with irregular shapes or complex conditions.

1. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

2. WHAT IS FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS?
• The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a numerical technique
for finding approximate solutions to boundary value
problems for partial differential equations.
• In simple terms, FEM is a method for dividing up a very
complicated problem into small elements that can be solved
in relation to each other.
• Useful for problems with complicated geometries, loadings,
and material properties where analytical solutions can not
be obtained.

3. HOW DOES FEA WORK
• FEA uses a complex system of points called nodes which make a grid
called a mesh.
• This mesh is programmed to contain the material and structural
properties which define how the structure will react to certain
loading conditions.
• Nodes are assigned at a certain density throughout the material
depending on the anticipated stress levels of a particular area.
• Regions which will receive large amounts of stress usually have a
higher node density than those which experience little or no stress.
Points of interest may consist of: fracture point of previously tested
material, fillets, corners, complex detail, and high stress areas.

4. TYPES OF ENGINEERING ANALYSIS
• Structural Analysis:
• Structural Analysis consists of linear and non-linear models.
Linear models use simple parameters and assume that the
material is not plastically deformed.
• Non-linear models consist of stressing the material past its
elastic capabilities. The stresses in the material then vary
with the amount of deformation.

5. • Vibrational Analysis:
•
• It is used to test a material against random vibrations, shock,
and impact.
• Each of these incidences may act on the natural vibrational
frequency of the material which, in turn, may cause
resonance and subsequent failure

6. • Fatigue Analysis:
• Fatigue analysis helps designers to predict the life of a material
or structure by showing the effects of cyclic loading on the
specimen.
• Such analysis can show the areas where crack propagation is
most likely to occur.
• Failure due to fatigue may also show the damage tolerance of
the material.

7. • Heat Transfer Analysis:
• Heat transfer analysis models the conductivity or thermal
fluid dynamics of the material or structure.
• This may consist of a steady- state or transient transfer.
• Steady-state transfer refers to constant thermal properties
in the material that yield linear heat diffusion.

8. HOW FEM HELPS IN DESIGN ENGINEERS
• Easily applied to complex, irregular-shaped objects
composed of several different materials and having complex
boundary conditions.
• Applicable to steady-state, time dependent and eigenvalue
problems.
• Applicable to linear and nonlinear problems.
• One method can solve a wide variety of problems, including
problems in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, chemical
reactions, electromagnetics, biomechanics.