What Is Finite Element Analysis

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a type of computer program that uses the finite element method to analyze a material or object and find how applied stresses will affect the material or design. FEA can help determine any points of weakness in a design before it is manufactured. FEA programs are more widely available with the spread of more powerful computers, but are still mostly used in aerospace and other high-stress applications. The analysis is done by creating a mesh of points in the shape of the object that contains information about the material and the object at each point for analysis. In addition to determining the reaction to stress upon an object, FEA can also analyze the effect of vibrations, fatigue, and heat transfer.