Introduction
Before we delve into Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and FEA services, it is necessary to understand what Finite Elemental Method (FEM) means. FEM is a precursor to understanding FEA.
The basic concept behind Finite Elemental Method is to replace any complex shape with the summation of a large number of regular / simple shapes (like a rectangle, triangle, etc.). These shapes are then combined to correctly model the original part. These smaller, simpler shapes are called finite elements because each such shape occupies a finite sub-space within the original, complex shape. For example, it is easier to visualize an engine, airplane, a machine component or skeleton as made up of smaller, simpler components. It makes modelling easier. And unlike finite difference models, finite elements do not overlap in space.
Traditionally, engineering analysis of mechanical systems has been done by deriving differential equations related to the variables involved. However, solving the resulting mathematical models is often impossible, especially when the resulting models are non-linear partial differential equations. This is where Finite Elemental Method steps in.
What is Finite Element Analysis (FEA)?
When FEM is applied to a specific field of analysis, it is referred to as Finite Element Analysis (FEA). FEA is thus a numerical method that offers a means to find approximate solutions to complex mechanical engineering problems. FEA methods contrast to the infinitesimally small or differential elements used for centuries to derive differential equations. FEA has traditionally been a branch of Solid Mechanics. However, with the advent of sophisticated CAD and CAE tools, FEA is now used to solve design problems in mechanical and other engineering fields like aerospace and defence, automotive, electromechanical and consumer goods, heavy engineering, industrial machinery and power and energy.
Here are the steps involved in FEA:
1. Divide the interval of integration - the numerical result is an approximation to exact solution
2. In each sub-interval, choose proper simple functions to emulate the true function - the accuracy of numerical result depends on the number of sub-interval and approximate function.
A typical FEA on a software system requires the following information
Areas of FEA Application
A FEA is the most common tool for stress and structural analysis. It can also receive input data from other tools like kinematics analysis systems and computation fluid dynamics systems. FEA software can be used in:
FEA Services: What to look for?
Most of the FEA software today is extremely accurate. Rather than the software, it is the experience of the team that demarcates FEA Services. Some of the factors that affect test results are accurate inputs of geometry, physics, properties of the material and the loads. It is also crucial to remember that since most of the FEA tests are undertaken in an ideal environment, it is the broad interpretation of results rather than actual numbers that separates good companies from excellent FEA companies. This is also the reason that the companies who provide FEA services should have diverse industrial experience.
FEA Services
Many companies prefer to hire FEA services so as to focus on their business. While generating a product idea is great, whether it will work as desired is a matter of applying scientific principles correctly. Buying FEA software tool is costly; outsourcing FEA services makes sense. There are many companies in India and abroad that specialize in such FEA services for optimum product design.