Finite element analysis (FEA)

What it covers

Finite element analysis predicts stress, deflection, buckling and nonlinear behaviour in structures and mechanical components. It covers linear static analysis, contact and large deformation, plasticity, modal and dynamic response, and thermal-stress problems. A good FEA engagement starts with the right idealisation and loads, validates the mesh and the boundary conditions, and reports results against a code or an engineering criterion, so the analysis answers a real design question rather than producing a colourful picture.

When you need it

You need FEA when hand calculations cannot capture the geometry or loading, when you want to qualify a component against a code, when something has failed and you need to understand why, or when you want to reduce weight or cost without losing integrity. It is the workhorse method behind much of structural and mechanical verification.

Standards, codes and tools

Commonly used tools: Ansys, Abaqus, Strand7, Simcenter Nastran.

What to look for

Look for an engineer who validates the model and ties results to an acceptance criterion, not one who hands over stress contours alone. Ask how they check mesh convergence and boundary conditions, and whether they can certify the outcome where needed. Good FEA is judged by the quality of the assumptions, so the report should state them clearly.

Common questions

Further reading