Stress analysis by computer, unlike analytical stress analysis, is actually very easy to learn but you must also learn; a) how to tell a good model from a bad model, and b) what the results mean. The user manual caters for the beginner and fully explains these aspects.
All designers - beginner or expert - will be able to use FEMdesigner straight away, without training, as there are very few commands to learn and the familiar MS-Windows environment is used (but not overused) to create a simple, familiar, clutter-free user interface.
After creating the model regions (see Automatic Mesh Generation ) and applying restraints and loads, you just select "Model|Build Model" to set up the mesh and then "Model|Solve Model" to run it. Most of the other menu commands are actually for viewing the results in various ways. Output can be sent to any Windows-supported printer. Numerous example files are included with the package to aid you in your own designs.
The cascaded FEMdesigner menus are shown below. Menu items with .. each lead to simple dialog boxes.
