However, a higher number of elements used will increase the demand for computational resources such as memory and processor time. The size of the elements will determine the precision of the approximate solution, the smaller being the better. Also, the points where neighbor elements meet are called вЂnodesвЂ™. The set of all elements is known as the вЂmeshвЂ™. The domain is then split into small basic shapes, known as вЂelementsвЂ™.These are the set of values of all internal variables at the first moment of the problem, for example, initial velocities, pre-stresses, or the initial temperature distribution. The вЂinitial conditionsвЂ™ of the object are also well defined.These are known as вЂboundary conditionsвЂ™. External influences, acting on the boundary or domain, are also well defined, such as forces, pressures, temperatures or heat sources.The geometry of the object to be analyzed is defined, with the space occupied by it called the вЂdomainвЂ™ and the surface enclosing it called the вЂboundaryвЂ™.The physical problem is well defined, with set physical laws to be applied, in the form of differential equations.The detailed explanation of how this transformation from a physical law into a set of linear equations is performed is beyond the scope of this article, but here is a general overview of the process: They connect changes in the internal variables of an object, such as displacement, temperature or pressure, and their relation with the objectвЂ™s geometry, physical properties, and external influences acting on it. Simulation of bolt connection (Source: SimScale)Дifferential equations are very important and present in many engineering problems because they represent the language in which physical laws are expressed. The goal of this procedure is to transform the differential equations into a set of linear equations, which can then be solved by the computer in a routine manner. The finite element method is a mathematical procedure used to calculate approximate solutions to differential equations. FEA Basics How Does FEA Work?ДЇEA is the application of the finite element method (FEM) to practical problems. Below we discuss everything there is to know about FEA for beginners. FEA software, or FEM software, is a very popular tool used by engineers and physicists because it allows the application of physical laws to real-life scenarios with precision, versatility, and practicality. Based on the finite element method (FEM), it is a technique that makes use of computers to predict the behavior of varied types of physical systems such as deformation of solids, heat conduction, and fluid flow. FEA is the acronym for вЂfinite elements analysisвЂ™.

Finite element method example