Finite Element Analysis (FEA) as a ‘bolt on’ software for 3D CAD software has been around a while to aid mechanical engineering design. The software over this time has improved in leaps & bounds and it’s price has also come down over the years. (In fact IronCAD, one of the 3D CAD packages we use, has just released it’s latest FEA with even more features!)
A definition might be:
“Finite element analysis (FEA) is a computerized method for predicting how a product reacts to real-world forces, vibration, heat, fluid flow, and other physical effects. Finite element analysis shows whether a product will fail, wear out, or work the way it was designed”
FEA enables design engineers to simulate environmental conditions of engineering parts or products in service, which can be static and/or dynamic, it is never a true replacement for ‘real life’ service conditions, but greatly increases the probability of design success. Once a product or part has been designed on CAD it’s true test before reaching end users or customers, would usually be under ‘real life’ test conditions as a prototype (often extreme conditions) in a laboratory, where other factors might be included as well such as corrosion.
Hope you enjoyed the blog and that you have a good month
All the best
Mike
Quotation corner:
“Everything is changing. People are taking the comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke.” – Will Rogers
“A lot of people are afraid of heights. Not me, I’m afraid of widths.” – Steven Wright
ps If you have enjoyed the blog please forward to those who might be interested, many thanks in advance, Mike
