# Finite Element Analysis Process

**URL:** <https://www.simscale.com/forum/t/finite-element-analysis-process/66558>\
**Category:** SimWiki\
**Created:** [April 2, 2017, 9:34am UTC](https://www.simscale.com/forum/t/finite-element-analysis-process/66558 "2017-04-02T09:34:51Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![jousefm](https://www.simscale.com/forum/user_avatar/www.simscale.com/jousefm/32/34908_2.png) [@jousefm](https://www.simscale.com/forum/u/jousefm)\
**Post date:** [April 2, 2017, 9:34am UTC](https://www.simscale.com/forum/t/finite-element-analysis-process/66558/1 "2017-04-02T09:34:51Z")

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![](https://www.simscale.com/forum/uploads/default/original/2X/9/9a2bf6177b1108b55af3d1e2bdc998e5b6d135e0.jpg)

The following six steps are essential to know in order to understand what the (mathematical) approach of the FEA is:

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### **First step:**

**Preprocessing:**

- Create geometry
- Defeature small unnecessary details in the model (\rightarrow careful since this is a source of errors)
- Make use of **symmetries** - not possible if the load is not symmetric
- Fillets used in the model may lead to stress singularities (“ **sharp re-entrant corners** ”)
- Define material properties
- Linear material behaviour is straight forward
- Elastoplastic material (Hardening rules, behaviour beyond yielding, etc.)
- Isotropy - Anisotropy
- Choose initial and boundary conditions
- **[Master-Slave Assignment](https://www.simscale.com/forum/t/master-and-slave-assignments/22254)**
- Define (if necessary) side conditions like contact definitions
- Discretization of the geometry \rightarrow Meshing of the components
- **[First Order & Second Order Mesh](https://www.simscale.com/forum/t/when-should-i-use-a-second-order-mesh/25899)**

**Pre-Analysis Checks:**

- **Consistent** units (Young’s Modulus, Dimensions of the components etc.)
- Check loads and boundary conditions
- Check Mesh Quality visually (some softwares offer an automatic Mesh Quality Check)
- Check Element Types / Accuracy
- Check Contact definitions if necessary
- Check that you only write the results you need

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### **Second step:**

- Element formulation \rightarrow development of equations for elements

- Set up the partial differential equation in its weak form

* * *

### **Third step:**

**Assembly:**  
Set up global problem \rightarrow obtaining equations for the entire system from the equations for one element.

* * *

### **Fourth step:**

Solving the equations (solve system of linear equations).

* * *

### **Fifth step:**

**Postprocessing:**  
Determining quantities of interest, such as stresses and strains and obtaining visualizations of the response.

* * *

### **Sixth step:**

**Post-Analysis Checks to verify results:**

- Check if the deformed component looks as you would expect  
\rightarrow Pay attention to the scaling!

- Convergence Study (“Does a finer Mesh have significant influence on the results?”)

- Compare simulation results to analytical solutions if available

* * *

**For general information about errors and singularities in FEA, please have a look at our blog post:**

**[Errors in FEA and Understanding Singularities (Beginners’ Guide)](https://www.simscale.com/blog/2016/06/errors-in-fea-and-singularities/)**

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Read more about the Finite Element Analysis in our **[dedicated article](https://www.simscale.com/docs/content/simwiki/fea/whatisfea.html)** in the SimWiki.

Also see our **[SimScale Simulation Wiki](https://www.simscale.com/docs/content/simwiki.html)** for more about other interesting simulation related questions.