This paper on "The Need for an Intermediate Standard and Analysis Procedure" was presented at the International Conference on Quality Assurance and Standards in Finite Element Analysis - 13-15 May 1987, The Grand Hotel, Brighton.

Summary

As acceptance of finite element techniques grows, so the demand for fully trained users increases (1). However, producing well trained personnel with adequate experience educationalists with a considerable challenge for the future. This is especially so as FEA techniques continually improve whereas course constraints such as time and resources remain largely unchanged.
This paper describes how FEA is being integrated into an engineering course and discusses the relevance of standards in influencing the teaching strategy adopted. Of particular significance has been the use of selected analytical theories, empirical relationships and bespoke software as benchmark standards for educational purposes. Establishing educational FEA standards is considered essential if high levels of competency is to be attained at the crucial learning stage.