Mechanical Engineer how-to

How to Run a Basic FEA Study

FEA predicts how parts behave.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

FEA predicts how parts behave. In short: simplify; apply; apply, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Simplify the model.

  2. Apply materials.

  3. Apply loads and constraints.

  4. Mesh the model.

  5. Solve.

  6. Check results against hand calculations.

Safety reminders for mechanical engineers

  • Design with safety factors
  • Follow lab safety
  • Guard prototypes
  • Wear PPE in plants

FEA · CFD · Stress · Strain · Fatigue · Thermodynamics: see the full mechanical engineer glossary.

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