18 Reasons to Use Finite Element Analysis in Design

18 Reasons to Use Finite Element Analysis in Design

18 Reasons to Use Finite Element Analysis in Design

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) offers numerous opportunities for product design engineers and manufacturers, and has become an indispensable part of the product development process in industries such as automotive, biomedical, aerospace, industrial equipment, and heavy engineering. It essentially consists of three main stages: preprocessing, solution, and postprocessing.

Steps for Performing Analysis Using the Finite Element Method

1. Import or develop the CAD geometry of the product for analysis;
2. Select the model type (1D, 2D, or 3D) based on simulation requirements;
3. Generate a mesh for the model using the selected model type;
4. Adjust mesh size and validate to correct errors and improve mesh quality;
5. Choose the analysis type, such as static, dynamic, thermal, or coupled analysis;
6. Apply boundary conditions such as loads, moments, and temperatures;
7. Execute the simulation analysis;
8. Postprocess to extract results.

FEA solvers numerically solve a system of equations. Therefore, the results obtained through simulation depend entirely on the applied boundary conditions, selected model type, assigned material properties, and choice of analysis type. So, why is finite element analysis so important?

Reasons to Use Finite Element Analysis

1. Improve performance of both new and existing products;
2. Reduce design and manufacturing costs;
3. Decrease the number of physical testing trials required;
4. Accelerate product launch to the market;
5. Evaluate and optimize alternative designs and materials;
6. Quickly analyze variants of basic solutions;
7. Enable better product design through a clear understanding of component design intent;
8. Minimize material waste;
9. Achieve topological and weight optimization of structures without compromising performance and safety;
10. Facilitate better design decisions with comprehensive information;
11. Reach the desired quality of the final product design faster;
12. Easily meet various product standards and contractual requirements;
13. Enhance product safety;
14. Determine product behavior under real-world conditions by applying appropriate boundary conditions to the model;
15. Increase customer satisfaction;
16. Perform FEA even on affordable workstations and desktop personal computers;
17. CAE software is now an essential tool for most leading enterprises;
18. Determine product service life and establish warranty and maintenance plans.

Finite element analysis is indeed one of the key tools for engineers to deliver high-quality products to the market. Integrating simulation testing and design optimization into the product development cycle to improve product quality and shorten time-to-market has now become a common practice.

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