Planning for FEA training

Algor's Williams (above) presents a Web-based demonstration of the developer's Mechanical Event Simulation software. Conducting FEA classes over the Web means students can participate anywhere without being away from their families during off hours. Train in at least twos, suggests some instructors. Team members can reinforce each other's learning experience. Companies always wrestle with whether or not to train people offsite for CAD or FEA work. It takes creative individuals out of the office, managers argue, so their productivity is lost for a short time, and costs can be significant. The good news is that costs come back to the company in about half a year, (Machine Design, Jan 10, 2002, p. 96) and users feel more competent so they perform with new interest. Once a company clears the cost hurdle, the question becomes: Who should get training and how much? Of course, the answer is: It depends. "The type of training depends on the user's background and previous experience," says Robert Williams, product manager for "If users are learning their first FEA program or refreshing general FEA knowledge, then introductory courses are appropriate. They provide an overview of finite-element theory, concepts, and terminology. These courses provide guidance on getting started and explain how to apply FEA to the engineer's work," says Williams. Instructors prepare an agenda and material geared toward how attendees are likely to use the software. It's not necessary for attendees to learn everything the software can do, just what's needed to start working on their own. "Our company, for instance, provides two introductory courses," says Williams. "One focuses on working with CAD models, such as the seamless transfer of geometry to the FEA software, suppressing features not essential for analysis, and meshing as well as analysis and results evaluation, presentation, and reporting. The second course covers topics