Finite element analysis (FEA)
Stress, deflection, vibration, fatigue and heat, predicted before anything is made by engineers who design the parts too.
- You send
- Geometry, loads, fixings, materials and the code or standard you work to
- You get back
- A formal report with results, mesh convergence and hand-calculation checks, and recommended design changes
Analyses we run
We choose the analysis to answer the question you have, from a quick static check to a full non-linear or fatigue study.
- Linear static and contact
- Non-linear material and geometry
- Modal, vibration and fatigue
- Thermal and thermo-structural
- Drop test and impact
Checked before you rely on it
Every study is checked for mesh convergence and against hand calculations, and is worked to the design code that applies. Each job comes with a formal FEA report.
Results you can act on
Because the same engineers design and draw parts, results come back as specific changes to geometry, material or fixing. We can make those changes in the model and run the study again.
What we need to start
The more we know about how the part is used, the closer the model is to reality.
- A CAD model or drawings, or the part for us to model
- Material properties, or the materials to compare
- Load cases: forces, pressures, fixings, temperatures and contacts
- The goal, such as a minimum factor of safety or a maximum mass or deflection
- Limits on size, mass or material
Questions we are often asked
How accurate are the results?
Accuracy depends most on the inputs: loads, fixings and material data. We agree the load cases with you at the start, and every study is checked for mesh convergence and against hand calculations.
Can FEA reduce physical testing?
Yes. Where FEA has been part of the design from the start, a single prototype has been enough for verification, and some products have gone straight to manufacture.
Which software do you use?
SimScale. F-CAD® is an official SimScale partner, and we can work from models in any CAD system.
How much does an FEA study cost?
It depends on the size of the model, the number of load cases and the type of analysis. Tell us about the part and what you need to know, and we’ll quote.
Finite element analysis in our work
- Construction
Bulk and construction material handling
More than 50% more material throughput on high-rise construction sites
SixGate™, stages 02 to 04
3D CAD, FEA, DEM, electrical design - Consumer products
High-end fishing reels
More than 15% lighter with no loss of durability, and design cycle time cut by more than 30%
SixGate™, stages 02 to 05
Mechanism design, 3D CAD, FEA, rendering
Design to manufacture by F-CAD®
Simulation inside a whole product
In SixGate™, simulation is built into stage 03, Detail & Simulation. More on sixgate.co.uk.
Related services
Tell us what needs checking
Describe the part, how it is loaded and what you need to know, and an engineer will reply with how we would set up the study.
- Freephone
- 0800 246 1012
- enquiries@f-cad.co.uk
- Office
- 220 St Vincent Street
Glasgow G2 5SG
Your designs are treated in confidence, with an NDA in place before any files are shared, and the design and CAD we produce are yours once the work is paid for. Confidentiality and ownership