CAD analysis software comes under online spotlight

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Global efforts to improve both the quality of the FEA (finite element analysis) software applications themselves and the level of confidence users can place in their computed results are underway. Brian Tinham reports

Global efforts to improve both the quality of the FEA (finite element analysis) software applications themselves and the level of confidence users can place in their computed results are underway. FEA software and usage are the subject of a world-wide, cross-industry online survey, just launched at www.fe-net.org/survey, being carried out by FENet (www.fe-net.org), the network of 110 organisations covering aerospace, transport, bio-medical, construction, consumer goods, marine, power, process and manufacturing industries. The network, which also facilitates exchange of experience and knowledge across the industrial sectors, says the survey results will be available to all respondents not only to assist benchmarking and understanding of current FEA practice, but to stimulate business benefits. Brokered ideas include, for software vendors and users, input to technical strategies and product development roadmaps; a focus for identifying potential areas of competitive advantage; and identification of areas for possible new code development. The group also notes that identifying differences in awareness and use of FEA technology across the sectors will be instructive.