Using Analysis Software in the Design Process
In the past, choosing to use finite element analysis (FEA) software could be a tough decision.
Companies had to consider legitimate objections including a steep learning curve,
expensive hardware requirements and the challenge of working with computer-aided design (CAD) models.
Some companies didn't want to buy both CAD and FEA;
instead, they relied on traditional engineering methods and never really implemented computer-aided engineering (CAE).
Today, practically all of the old objections to using FEA are gone.
- Analysis software is easier to use than ever before with Windows®-based interfaces that provide software wizards,
online documentation, built-in error checking and many more ease-of-use features.
- Computer hardware systems are affordable and powerful enough to run complex analyses.
- Support for CAD is a given due to open systems and industry-standard file structures.
Thanks to these developments, FEA is now commonly used by design engineers.
Even non-traditional users (such as medical doctors, university researchers and production managers) are successfully applying FEA to meet their needs.
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