Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a computational technique used in engineering and applied sciences for solving complex mathematical equations through the division of a physical object or system into smaller, simpler and finite elements. It operates on the principle that a complex structure can be better understood by representing it as a collection of smaller, interconnected elements.
In FEA, these elements, often in the shape of triangles or quadrilaterals, are used to approximate and simulate the behavior of the original structure under different conditions and loads. Each element is characterized by a set of properties such as shape, material properties, and boundary conditions, which are then used to solve a system of simultaneous equations to determine the response of the structure.
The main objective of FEA is to analyze the stress, strain, deformation, temperature distribution, and other physical phenomena of a structure or system. It helps engineers and scientists in designing and optimizing structures by predicting their performance and behavior under various operating conditions. FEA has become an essential tool in many fields, including mechanical, civil, aerospace, and automotive engineering, as well as in physics and biomechanics.
Utilizing FEA allows for a wide range of applications, such as stress analysis, vibration analysis, heat transfer analysis, fluid flow analysis, and electromagnetic analysis. This technique significantly reduces the need for physical prototypes, saving time and resources in the product development and design process.
