Finite Element Analysis (FEA) - Roensch & Associates

Roensch & Associates offers mechanical engineer
expert witness and finite element analysis services.

Finite Element Analysis

Analysis Experience - Partial Listing

Space Station Components
Computer Disk Drive Components
Medical Diagnostic Equipment
Outboard Motor Crankshafts
Wind Turbines
Military Truck Components
Military Trailer Components
Military Missile Loaders
Industrial Robots
Man Lifts
Crash & Rescue Vehicles
Recreational Vehicles
Commercial Trucks
HVAC Manifolds
High-Speed Motor Winding Equipment
Pneumatic Cartridges
Food Processing Equipment
High-Precision Machining Equipment
Earth Moving Equipment
Hydraulic Motors
Concrete Vibrators

Aircraft Engine Pistons
Aircraft Engine Crankshafts
Airliner Components
Cranes
Transmission Housings
Transmission Gears
Automotive Drive Components
Automotive Radiators
Automotive Mirror Housings
Automotive Battery Housings
Truck Racks
Motorcycle Components
Plumbing Products
Medical Beds and Lifts
Electric Motors
Commercial Windows
Rock Crusher Components
Boiler Components
Generator Enclosures
Distiller Housings
Plastic Gears

1. "Why should my company use finite element analysis (FEA)?"

Today's engineering product world is driven primarily by two things: quality and cost.

FEA of critical design components, be they in the early design stage or on the engineering change list, can greatly enhance the overall product quality. This is accomplished by ensuring that the design can meet deformation, stress, vibration and/or temperature specifications for specified worst case configurations. FEA can also reduce product cost significantly, especially if applied early in the design cycle. Analysis results identify critical areas which carry the bulk of stresses caused by deformation or vibration, as well as less important areas in which a material reduction may be possible. The number of prototypes required can usually be reduced. Finally, the cost of a field repair or replacement will usually be many times the cost of a finite element analysis.

Using finite element analysis, then, is really a matter of good engineering and good business.

2. "What exactly is FEA?"

FEA is a fairly recent discipline which allows the numerical solution of governing physical equations over complicated geometric domains. The method is regularly applied to the structural analysis of designs with complex geometries.

The part being analyzed is divided into many small regions called "finite elements". The physical behavior within each element is understood in concise mathematical terms. Assemblage of all elements' behavior produces a large matrix equation, which is solved for the quantity of interest, e.g. the deformation due to a maximum loading condition. Additional quantities, such as stresses, are then computed. Details are available in Mr. Roensch's FEA White Paper.

Commercial FEA packages are usually used, to insulate the user from the substantial programming required to perform even a simple analysis. Still, obtaining accurate results from any package requires an experienced analyst. FEA can, and will, deliver incorrect results to the inexperienced user, who will then make important design decisions based on this false information.

3. "Why should we use an FEA consulting service?"

Companies requiring an occasional finite element analysis are in an excellent position to make use of consulting services. As mentioned earlier, inexperienced users may obtain incorrect results, and individuals with the necessary experience remain rare. Hiring experienced analysts is justified for the company using FEA regularly. The organization with occasional analysis requirements may find the cost of a full-time position prohibitive. Yet most companies have important design decisions to be made now, for which questionable analysis results are unacceptable.

Companies already successfully applying FEA can also make good use of a consultant. Often the analysts are too busy to take on an important project. Or, an analysis of a type unfamiliar to the employees may be required.

Given the quality and cost benefits of a correctly-applied finite element analysis, using a consulting service is a logical alternative for any company with structural design responsibilities.

4. "Why should we hire Mr. Roensch for FEA?"

Steve Roensch has all the qualifications required to ensure accurate, timely finite element analysis. He has worked in a large research and development laboratory applying the finite element method to new designs. He has experience supporting many companies' finite element applications, by installing the software, teaching FEA classes, and working firsthand with design engineers to help them correctly apply the method. Finally, in the role of FEA consultant and expert witness, he has provided prompt, accurate finite element analysis of hundreds of product designs.

You may review Mr. Roensch's current Curriculum Vitae.