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Over the last three decades, finite-element developers have refined their software, taking it from code useful only in R&D labs, to programs that solve real-world problems for design engineers. Better [...]

Early finite-element analysis codes developed a reputation for being difficult to master. In contrast, modern codes are much less demanding, especially those adapted to PCs. They open doors to solving [...]

Design engineers may determine the number of terms in a polynomial function when constructing FEA models by picking as many terms as the number of nodes in the element can support. Designers have to pick the type of element, the number and the size of element to be used. They choose from either the h or the p method and weigh the benefits of automatic mesh generators against conventional modeling tools. How the choice affects the solution time and accuracy is the most important consideration that should be made., Faster, more accurate solutions depend on choosing the right element, method, and meshing tool. When it comes to constructing FEA models, designers pick the type of element to use, how [...]

The PC is helping engineers overcome their reluctance to use finite-element analysis programs. Understanding how the geometry and physical properties of a design affect its performance is a cornerstone of [...]