What is finite element analysis (FEA)?
Definition
Finite element analysis (FEA) is a numerical method for predicting how a part or structure responds to loads, heat, vibration and other physical effects. It divides the geometry into many small elements, approximates the governing equations on each one, and solves the assembled system to compute quantities such as displacement, stress and temperature.
Example
Before a bracket is machined, an engineer meshes it into small elements, applies the loads and the fixtures, and runs FEA to check that the peak stress stays below what the material allows. Refining the mesh until the result stops changing confirms the answer doesn't depend on the mesh.
Sources
- MIT OpenCourseWare 2.092, "Finite Element Analysis of Solids and Fluids I" (K.-J. Bathe), ocw.mit.edu
- Ansys, "What is Finite Element Analysis (FEA)?" (vendor page, definitions only), ansys.synopsys.com