On training programs for design engineers in the use of finite element analysis

The increasing competitiveness in the industrial environment has been the motivation for deployment of a variety of Mechanical Computer Aided Engineering tools, including finite element procedures. To properly exploit these procedures during the design process requires close coupling of the MCAE tools to the design engineer, with a reasonable strategy placing the analysis responsibility on the design engineering staff. The design engineering function has, however, been primarily project directed, and the experience gained during design engineering does not lend itself well to effectively performing the analysis function. This paper addresses possible approaches that can be used to train design engineers in the use of finite element technology.