Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for Design Engineers

Course code: PD531241

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a computer-aided engineering (CAE) tool used to analyze how a design reacts under real-world conditions. Useful in structural, vibration, and thermal analysis, FEA has been widely implemented by automotive companies. It’s used by design engineers as a design tool during the product development process because it allows them to analyze their own designs while they are still in the form of easily modifiable CAD models, providing quick turnaround times and ensuring prompt implementation of analysis results in the design process. While FEA software is readily available, successful use of FEA as a design tool still requires an understanding of FEA basics, familiarity with the FEA process and commonly used modeling techniques, and an appreciation of inherent errors and their effect on the quality of results. When used properly, the FEA becomes a tremendous productivity tool, helping design engineers reduce product development time and cost. Misapplication of FEA, however, may lead to erroneous design decisions, which are very expensive to correct later in the design process.

This on demand course provides the skills necessary for proper use of FEA in the design process and ensures that the powerful tool is implemented in the most efficient and productive way. Participants will begin with the foundational FEA process, observe expert demonstrations showing how FEA is conducted using real models, study different types of typically performed analysis, discuss common misconceptions and errors made, and explore how FEA can be implemented within the design environment. Hands-on exercises focusing on FEA fundamentals, different types of analysis, and proper modeling techniques are included.

All topics are illustrated by hands-on examples using FEA software SolidWorks Simulation for which participants will be provided a Student License (compatible with Windows 7 SP1, 8.1, 10; IE 10,11; MS Excel and Word 2010, 2013, 2016). Acquired skills, however, are not software specific and no prior exposure to FEA software is required. The eBook, “Engineering Analysis with SolidWorks? Simulation” by Paul Kurowski, will also be included in the course materials.

Objectives

By participating in this on-demand course, you’ll be able to:

• Identify the purpose of using FEA in the design process
• Identify and avoid errors inherent to FEA results
• Identify FEA advantages and shortcomings
• Recognize and avoid common FEA mistakes
• Produce reliable results on time
• Interpret and use FEA results
• Explain an effective approach to FEA project management
• Ensure quality and cost-effectiveness of FEA projects