Finite Element Analysis, Infinite Possibilities

It's tough to pick the right software package for finite element analysis (FEA)-especially if you require programs for testing, research or academic purposes. But there is hope. There are a number of free and open source products that can get the job done, and without the cost and learning overhead. Before we taste an example of one of these products, however, let's establish a general definition of this discipline. In simplest terms, finite element analysis (FEA) is the use of the finite element method to numerically calculate and produce results of elemental stresses on computer-simulated materials. If you have ever seen a television program or documentary where they use a computer to show the effects of oxidation on metal or fatigue of bridges over time, these are some examples of a type of FEA.

Objective functions within FEA serve as variables to produce the varying effects of elements. Some of these may include:

• Force and displacement
• Strains and stressors
• Light, heat, mass and volume
• Synthesized conditions (programmed by users)

There are also conditional factors programmed at model load time, and a library of elements categorized by their basic composition such as solids, liquids, gases and so forth.

There are hundreds of proprietary and open source programs for FEA. The particular example chosen for this entry was the San Le Free Finite Element Analysis (SLFFEA) package. Note: This entry is NOT a personal or professional endorsement for this product, it is only used as an example to demonstrate the basics of one type of FEA software freely available. The program was written in the ANSI C language and is distributed under the GNU License.

The majority of the finite element library in SLFFEA is geared toward structural analysis of components such as roofs, girders, and trusses; hence, the predominant focus of this application appears to be mechanical engineering. By most FEA package standards, this particular software package is quite small. Indeed, there are organizations like Noran Engineering, Inc. and Strand7 with comprehensive packages (that come with a comprehensive price tag, by the way).

Because the basics of finite element analysis is as a design technology, there are large programs written by hobbyists that actually do very little and also programs with a small footprint that can perform phenomenal feats of FEA. Depending on your needs, however, there are infinite possibilities available to allow you to jump in and start working. One excellent resource is the free webcasts you can find produced by Algor, Center for Mechanical Design Technology. These brief information tutorials, which last anywhere from 30-60+ minutes provide excellent views at the capabilities of FEA software.

In summary, you'll probably see there is nothing finite about FEA. It is a broad engineering software field with infinite possibilities waiting to be explored.