Finite element method - Essay Example

Consequently every computer program based on finite element analysis technique has some shortcomings because of the unresolved errors. Another important reason behind the errors which occur in the results is the incorrect operation of the software program by the user and mishandling of the data. The users of these software programs commit frequent mistakes in the selection of right type of program for analysis. There is a wide variety of possible mistakes which a user can make while using these software programs.

These mistakes include the choosing an incorrect element, using a poor mesh, ignoring the key mechanical properties of members such as yielding and buckling, inputting incorrect end conditions is also one of the most frequent mistakes that the users make. There is always a difference between the actual behaviour of the structure and the simulated behaviour in computers. A computer program cannot replicate the actual behaviour of the structure, no matter how expensive it is and how efficient it is in its working and display of results.

The outlook of computer programs, the innovation and the quality achieved in the graphical display have successfully concealed the inefficiencies in the operation. The users are satisfied with the graphical display of the interface and the way the results are presented and blindly rely on the results obtained from these programs. The finite element method of analysis has created unmatched possibilities in analytic process; however it is not the best option to use in all cases. At times, there are other easier and more accurate approaches to solve problems; computation of stresses using simple flexural formulas instead of three-dimensional finite element analysis is one such example.

There are situations when experimental results are required to find out the material properties involved in analysis, in