Generally, Finite element analysis (FEA) is the process that simulates the behaviour of a part or assembly under given conditions so that it can be assessed using the finite element method (FEM).

FEM is a numerical technique that performs FEA of any given physical phenomenon. Moreover, it has simple, compact, and results-oriented features that are appealing to engineers. Additionally, the 6 benefits are- Modeling, Adaptability, Accuracy, Time dependent simulation, Boundaries and Visualization.

Actually, FEA is like a calculator: accurate. But it’s also quite complex, and there are certain inaccuracies, that you can’t influence. Those aren’t that tragic, however, provided that you know what you are doing!

5 steps-
Check shape of deformations.
Look at deformation values.
Check reaction forces.
Take a look at stresses.
Do hand calculations!

FEM refers to complex mathematical procedures used in your favourite solver. Think it as a theory manual, lots of equations and mathematics. Whereas, we use FEA in the context of applying FEM to solve real engineering problems.

You can predict potential design issues and therefore minimise risk to your product and profits. With FEA you can test the impact of varying conditions (stress, vibration, buckling, fatigue, creep, heat, etc) on your design.

Disadvantages include:
The method is approximate — the analysis is not performed on a real structure, but on a model of it. All the results (such as stresses, strains, or displacements) are approximate and the user cannot precisely estimate the difference between the obtained results and the real ones.

We use FEA for the structural analysis to find out significant stress. It is also useful to receive input data from other tools such as computation fluid dynamics systems and kinematics analysis systems. Well, this can be used in: Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)