What is finite element analysis software?

Finite element analysis (FEA) is a computerized method for predicting how a

product reacts to real-world forces, vibration, heat, fluid flow, and other
physical effects. Finite element analysis shows whether a product will break,
wear out, or work the way it was designed. It is called analysis, but in the
product development process, it is used to predict what is going to happen
when the product is used.
FEA works by breaking down a real object into a large number (thousands to
hundreds of thousands) of finite elements, such as little cubes. Mathematical
equations help predict the behavior of each element. A computer then adds
up all the individual behaviors to predict the behavior of the actual object.
Finite element analysis helps predict the behavior of products affected by
many physical effects, including:
 Mechanical stress
 Mechanical vibration
 Fatigue
 Motion
 Heat transfer
 Fluid flow
 Electrostatics
 Plastic injection molding

Software
Methods used Application problems
packages
FEM (implicit, Structural analysis, acoustics, thermal
ABAQUS
explicit) analysis, etc.
Structural analysis, acoustics, thermal
I-deas FEM (implicit)
analysis, etc.
Structural dynamics, computational fluid
LS-DYNA FEM (explicit)
dynamics, Fluid-structural interaction, etc.
Sysnoise FEM/BEM Acoustics (frequency domain)
Structural analysis, acoustics, thermal
NASTRAN FEM (implicit)
analysis, etc.
Structural analysis, acoustics, thermal
MARC FEM (implicit)
analysis, etc.
MSC- FEM + FVM Structural dynamics, computational fluid
DYTRAN (explicit) dynamics, Fluid-structural interaction, etc.
 Structural analysis, acoustics, thermal
ANSYS FEM (implicit)
analysis, multi-physics, etc.
Structural analysis, computational fluid
ADINA DIANA FEM (implicit)
dynamics, Fluid-structural interaction, etc.

What is a module in ABAQUS?

The following list of the modules available within ABAQUS/CAE briefly

describes the modeling tasks you can perform in each module. The order of
the modules in the list corresponds to the order of the modules in the context
bar's Module list:

Part

The Part module allows you to create individual parts by sketching their
geometry directly in ABAQUS/CAE or by importing their geometry from other
geometric modeling programs.

Property

A section definition contains information about the properties of a part or a

region of a part, such as a region's associated material definition and cross-
sectional geometry. In the Property module you create section and material
definitions and assign them to regions of parts.

Assembly

When you create a part, it exists in its own coordinate system, independent
of other parts in the model. You use the Assembly module to create instances
of your parts and to position the instances relative to each other in a global
coordinate system, thus creating an assembly. An ABAQUS model contains
only one assembly.

Step

You use the Step module to create and configure analysis steps and
associated output requests. The step sequence provides a convenient way to
capture changes in a model (such as loading and boundary condition
changes); output requests can vary as necessary between steps.
Interaction

In the Interaction module you specify mechanical and thermal interactions

between regions of a model or between a region of a model and its
surroundings. An example of an interaction is contact between two surfaces.
Other interactions that may be defined include constraints, such as tie,
equation, and rigid body constraints. ABAQUS/CAE does not recognize
mechanical contact between part instances or regions of an assembly unless
that contact is specified in the Interaction module; the mere physical
proximity of two surfaces in an assembly is not sufficient to indicate any type
of interaction between the surfaces. Interactions are step-dependent objects,
which means that you must specify the analysis steps in which they are
active.

Load

The Load module allows you to specify loads, boundary conditions, and
predefined fields. Loads and boundary conditions are step-dependent objects,
which means that you must specify the analysis steps in which they are
active; some predefined fields are step-dependent, while others are applied
only at the beginning of the analysis.

Mesh

The Mesh module contains tools that allow you to generate a finite element
mesh on an assembly created within ABAQUS/CAE. Various levels of
automation and control are available so that you can create a mesh that meets
the needs of your analysis.

Job

Once you have finished all of the tasks involved in defining a model, you use
the Job module to analyze your model. The Job module allows you to
interactively submit a job for analysis and monitor its progress. Multiple
models and runs may be submitted and monitored simultaneously.

Visualization

The Visualization module provides graphical display of finite element models

and results. It obtains model and result information from the output
database; you can control what information is written to the output database
by modifying output requests in the Step module.
Sketch

Sketches are two-dimensional profiles that are used to help form the geometry
defining an ABAQUS/CAE native part. You use the Sketch module to create
a sketch that defines a planar part, a beam, or a partition or to create a sketch
that might be extruded, swept, or revolved to form a three-dimensional part.

Different Types of Analysis?

Various different types of tests are used during finite element analysis, such
as:
1. Structural static analysis: This type of FEA analyzes a scaled model
based on proportions. The test maintains that any structure that is sound
on a small scale will be able to handle the same interactions with the full-
scale structure and produce the same results.
2. Thermal engineering analysis: This test explores variations in
temperature and how it affects the design structure.
3. Modal analysis: Every object vibrates at a frequency, so it is important to
use modal analysis to test how disruptive external vibrations affect the
product's structure. This form of finite element analysis also allows users
to adjust for vibrations throughout the design stage, thus creating a strong
final product.
4. Engineering seismic calculations: This test helps developers understand
the product's performance when dealing with various ground frequencies
and vibrations, ensuring a sturdy location for the final structure.