Introduction to Finite Element (FEA) Static Analysis

In Introduction to Finite Element (FEA) Static Analysis, you'll learn ...

• How to model, analyze, and verify the behavior of basic components under static loads
• The importance of good modeling practices, including material selection, boundary conditions, and the implications of mesh density and refinement
• Comparisons between FEA output and classical solutions, showing where simulation excels—and where it must be interpreted carefully

Overview

Preview a portion of this course before purchasing it.

Credit: 2 PDH

Length: 31 pages

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is one of the most powerful and versatile tools in the modern engineer’s toolkit. From aerospace to automotive, consumer products to structural design, FEA plays a central role in the development and validation of engineering solutions before any physical prototype is built. This course offers a practical, approachable introduction to linear static FEA using tools that most engineers already have access to—without requiring advanced mathematics or prior simulation experience.

This course is designed specifically for mechanical, civil, structural, and design engineers who want to confidently apply FEA principles to real-world problems. It walks the learner through foundational concepts, from understanding stress and strain to preparing a proper mesh and interpreting simulation results with a critical eye. While SolidWorks Simulation is used to illustrate certain examples, the principles covered apply to any modern FEA software.

Through structured explanations, simplified hand calculations, and focused case studies, engineers will learn how to model, analyze, and verify the behavior of basic components under static loads. The course also emphasizes the importance of good modeling practices, including material selection, boundary conditions, and the implications of mesh density and refinement. Clear lessons are drawn from comparisons between FEA output and classical solutions, showing where simulation excels—and where it must be interpreted carefully.

This is not just a theoretical course. Instead, it focuses on helping engineers develop a confident, working knowledge of FEA through relatable examples and practical workflows. Whether you’re transitioning into simulation work, reviewing vendor analysis, or performing basic design validation in-house, this course provides a solid foundation that makes FEA both accessible and reliable.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the concepts of stress and strain and their relationship to static loading conditions.
• Outline the FEA workflow, including preprocessing, meshing, solving, and postprocessing.
• Distinguish between linear and nonlinear problems in structural analysis.
• Apply mesh refinement and convergence strategies to improve simulation accuracy.
• Validate FEA results using classical hand calculations.
• Apply appropriate boundary conditions and loads in FEA models.
• Evaluate the advantages and limitations of linear static FEA in engineering practice.

Certificate of Completion

You will be able to immediately print a certificate of completion after passing a multiple-choice quiz consisting of 15 questions. PDH credits are not awarded until the course is completed and quiz is passed.