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Finite Element
Method

Finite Element Method

Finite element method (FEM) is a numerical
technique for finding approximate solutions
to boundary valued problems for partial differential
equations. It uses subdivision of a whole problem
domain into simpler parts, called finite elements,
and variational methods to solve the problem by
minimizing an associated error function. FEM
encompasses methods for connecting many simple
element equations over many small subdomains,
named finite elements, to approximate a more
complex equation over a larger domain.

Technologies That Compete With the FEM

Other numerical solution methods:
Finite-Difference Methods (FDM) are numerical
methods for solving differential equations by
approximating them with difference equations, in
which finite differences approximate the
derivatives. FDMs are thus discretization methods.
Useful for solving heat transfer and fluid
mechanics problems.
Works well for two-dimensional regions with
boundaries parallel to the coordinate axes.
Cumbersome when regions have curved
boundaries.

Technologies that Compete With the FEM

Other numerical solution methods:
The Boundary Element Method (BEM) is a
numerical computational method of solving
linear partial differential equations which
have been formulated as integral equations
(i.e. in boundary integral form). It can be
applied in many areas of engineering and
science including fluid mechanics, acoustics,
electromagnetics, and fracture mechanics.

Technologies that Compete With the FEM

Prototype Testing
Reliable. Well-understood.
Trusted by regulatory agencies.
Results are essential for calibration of
simulation software.
Results are essential to verify modeled results
from simulation.
Non destructive testing (NDT) is lowering costs
of testing in general.
Expensive, compared to simulation.

Technologies that Compete With the FEM

Prototype Testing
Time consuming.
Development programs that rely too much on
testing are increasingly less competitive in
todays market.
Faster product development schedules are
pressuring the quality of development test
efforts.
Data integrity is more difficult to maintain,
compared to simulation.

Future Trends in the FEM and Simulation

Enhanced multi-physics capabilities are coming:
Coupling between numerous physical
phenomena.
Ex: Fluid-structural interaction is the most
common example.
Ex: Semiconductor circuits, EMI and
thermal buildup vary with current densities.
Improved life predictors, improved service
estimations.

Decreasing reliance on testing.

Future Trends in the FEM and Simulation

Increasing use of non-deterministic analysis and
design methods:
Statistical modeling of material properties,
tolerances, and anticipated loads.
Sensitivity analyses.
Faster and more powerful computer hardware.
Massively parallel processing.
FEM and simulation software available via Internet
subscription.

Finite Element Method

Software Packages

Free/Open source
Name
Agros2D

CalculiX

Code Aster

deal.II

DUNE

Description
Operating System
Multiplatform open source application for
the solution of physical problems based on
Linux, Windows
the Hermes library
It is an Open Source FEA project. The solver
uses a partially compatible ABAQUS file
format. The pre/post-processor generates
Linux, Windows
input data for many FEA and CFD
applications
is an Open Source software package for
Civil and Structural Engineering finite
element analysis and numeric simulation in
Linux, FreeBSD
structural mechanics which is written in
Python and Fortran
Comprehensive set of tools for finite element
Linux, Unix, Mac OS
codes, scaling from laptops to clusters with
X,Windows
10,000+ cores. Written in C++.
Distributed and Unified Numerics
Linux, Unix, Mac OS
Environment, written in C++
X

Name
Elmer

FEATool
FEBio

Description
Open source multiphysical simulation software
developed by Finnish Ministry of Education's
CSC, written primarily in Fortran (written in
Fortran90, C and C++)
Easy to Use Matlab and Octave Multiphysics
FEM Solver and GUI Toolbox

Finite Elements for Biomechanics

Software package developed by American and

FEniCS Project European researchers with the goal to enable
automated solution of differential equations
Software written in C++ for rapid testing and
FreeFem++ finite element simulations. The problem is
defined in terms of its variational formulation
A generic finite element library written
in C++ with interfaces
GetFEM++ for Python, Matlab and Scilab. It focuses on
modeling of contact mechanics and
discontinuities (e.g. cracks).

Operating System
Linux, Mac OS
X,Windows
Linux, Unix, Mac
OS X,Windows
Linux, Mac OS
X,Windows
Linux, Unix, Mac
OS X,Windows
Linux, Mac OS
X,Windows, Solaris

Unix, Mac OS
X, Windows

Name
Hermes
Project

Description
Modular C/C++ library for rapid development of
space- and space-time adaptive hp-FEM solvers

jFEM

2D/3D open source C++ FEM codes developed

for nanophotonics by Jeffrey M. McMahon [1][2]

Operating System
Linux, Unix, Mac
OS X,Windows
Linux, Unix, Mac
OS X, (Windows,
but unsupported)

Framework for building multi-disciplinary finite

Linux, Windows
element programs
Electromagnetic simulation software based on the Linux, Mac OS
MaxFEM
finite element method
X,Windows
MoFEM (JosePH) is a finite element analysis
MoFEM
Unix, Linux, Mac
code tailored for the solution of multi-physics
JosePH
OS X
problems
Multiphysics Object Oriented Simulation
Environment - an object oriented C++ finite
Unix, Linux, Mac
MOOSE
element framework for rapid development of
OS X
tightly coupled multiphysics solvers
Object Oriented Finite EleMent solver, written in
OOFEM
Unix, Windows
C++
Kratos

Name

Description
is an Open System for Earthquake Engineering
OpenSees
Simulation
Freeware finite element package; The present version
Z88Aurora V3 offers, in addition to static strength
analysis modules such as non-linear strength
Z88/Z88Aurora
calculations (large displacements), simulations with
non-linear materials, natural frequency and static
thermal analysis.

Operating System
Unix, Linux,
Windows

Linux, Windows,
Mac OS X

Proprietary/Commercial
Abaqus: Advanced Franco-USA software from SIMULIA, owned by Dassault
Systemes.
ADINA: finite element software for structural, fluid, heat transfer, electromagnetic,
and multiphysics problems, including fluid-structure interaction and thermomechanical coupling
Advance Design: BIM software for FEM structural analysis, including international
design eurocodes, a solution developed by GRAITEC.
ALGOR: USA software from Autodesk. (Renamed to Simulation Multiphysics.)
Altair HyperWorks: A full CAE program suite (including pre/post-processor, Solvers,
Optimization solver, parameter study solver)
ANSA: An advanced CAE pre-processing software for complete model build up.
ANSYS: USA software
AutoForm: Swiss origin German software for Sheet metal forming process chain
CFD-FASTRAN: A commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software package
developed by ESI Group for aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic applications. It
employs multiple moving body capability for simulating problems such as missile
launch, maneuvering and staging, and aircraft flight dynamics and store separation.
Computers and Structures: Berkeley, California-based producers of SAP2000,
CSiBridge, ETABS, SAFE, PERFORM-3D, and CSiCOL
COMSOL Multiphysics COMSOL Multiphysics Finite Element Analysis Software
formerly Femlab

CosmosWorks
CST Studio Suite
DIANA_FEA: designed by TNO DIANA BV in the Netherlands, linear and non-linear
analysis of engineering structures such as dams, bridges, tunnels and underground
structures, oil and gas installations.
Diffpack Software for finite element analysis and partial differential equations
Extreme Loading for Structures: Software made by Applied Science International for
non-linear dynamic structural analysis, progressive collapse, blast, seismic, impact
and other loading.
FEDEM: FEDEM is a simulation software for mechanical multibody systems[3]
FEFLOW: simulates groundwater flow, mass transfer and heat transfer in porous
media
Femap, Siemens PLM Software: A pre and post processor for Windows
FEMtools, Dynamic Design Solutions: A toolbox for static and dynamic simulation,
verification, validation and updating of finite element models. Includes also
modules for structural optimization and for obtaining experimental reference data.
Flexcom, Finite element package used in the offshore oil and gas industry.
Developed by MCS Kenny.
FlexPDE
GTSTRUDL, INTEGRAPH System: Structural Design and Analysis Language FEM
System developed by MIT and GATECH, used in Energy and Offshore structural
designs

HydroGeoSphere: A 3D control-volume finite element hydrologic model, simulating

surface and subsurface water flow and solute and thermal energy transport
HyperSizer, design software specializing in composite materials; integrates with
other software
IMPETUS Afea Solver: An explicit general purpose simulation software from
IMPETUS Afea[4]
Jupiter Designer developed by TechnoStar Co. Ltd., headquatered in Tokyo, Japan.
Jupiter designer is a FEA software developed for CAE engineers. [5]
JMAG, Japanese software
LS-DYNA, LSTC - Livermore Software Technology Corporation
LUSAS: UK Software
MADYMO: TASS - TNO Automotive Safety Solutions
MSC Marc: Advanced, nonlinear FEA solver from MSC Software
MultiMech: Multiscale Structural Finite Element Analysis
Nastran: USA software, from MSC Software
NEi Fusion, NEi Software: 3D CAD modeler + Nastran FEA
NEi Nastran, NEi Software: General purpose Finite Element Analysis
NEi Works: Embedded Nastran for SolidWorks users
Pam-Crash: Used for crash simulation and the design of occupant safety systems,
primarily in the automotive industry

PLAXIS 2D and PLAXIS 3D: developed and marketed by Plaxis BV; specially designed
for soil and rock mechanics with emphasis on analysis, design and simulation of
underground constructions and the soil-structure interaction. Special modules
available for dynamics (earthquake), groundwater flow and temperature flow. [6]
PZFlex: USA software for wave propagation and piezoelectric devices
Quickfield : Physics simulating software
Radioss: A linear and nonlinear solver owned by Altair Engineering
RAM Elements: Bentley software available mainly for the use of analysis of
structural systems for civil engineers
Range Software: Multiphysics simulation software
RFEM: BIM software for structural analysis and design according to various
international standards including eurocodes and USA codes
S-FRAME: Software for civil and structural engineers
SAMCEF: CAE package developed by the Belgian company
SAP2000: USA software
Sesam: Norwegian software, developed by DNV GL for the offshore and maritime
industries.
Sherlock Automated Design Analysis: Software is a Physics of Failure-based tool for
analyzing, grading and certifying the expected reliability of products at the circuit
card assembly level, Developed by DfR Solutions. Sherlock interfaces with other FEA
tools such as Abaqus and Ansys software

STRAND7: Developed in Sydney Australia by Strand7 Pty. Ltd. Marketed as Straus7 in

Italy.
StressCheck developed by ESRD, Inc (USA) emphasizing solution accuracy by
utilizing high order elements
TSV developed by TechnoStar Co. Ltd., headquatered in Tokyo, Japan. TSV software
suite includes pre-processor, solver as well as post-processor. [7]
Vflo: Physics-based distributed hydrologic modeling software, developed by Vieux &
Associates, Inc.
VisualFEA, Korean software for structural and geotechnical analysis