Time：2015/6/3 16:07:01

Contrary to popular opinion, Finite Element Modeling is not Numerical Simulation. It was not until the 1980’s that Numerical Simulation was implemented in the technology base of FEA. Learn more below about the evolution of Numerical Simulation in FEA.
1956 The first paper on the FEM published The first paper on the finite element method (FEM) was published by RW Clough in 1956.
1965 NASA RFP for structural analysis software In 1965, NASA issued a request for a proposal for the development of a structural analysis software tool. The result of this was NASTRAN (NASA Structural Analysis), which implemented the available FEM technology to solve structural problems.
1968 NASTRAN developed by CSC Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) released to NASA a FEA program called NASTRAN.
1969 NASTRAN commercialized by MSC In the late 1960’s, the MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation initiated the first commercially available version of NASTRAN, and dubbed it MSC/NASTRAN. This would be known as the first generation of FEA software.
1970 Finite element 'modeling' practices begin With the commercialization of FEA taking off, many analysts were no longer aware of the conceptualization errors that can arise when performing simulations with the FEM. For example, combining 1-D and 3-D theories in the same mathematical model. This practice led to unknown uncertainties, and became known as finite element modeling.
1984 Noetic Technologies acquires rights to PROBE In 1984, Dr. Barna Szabo, Mr. Brett Taylor, and others formed Noetic Technologies in St. Louis, MO. The goal of this company was to acquire and privately commercialize PROBE for more widespread use.
1985 PROBE commercially released PROBE is commercially released, making it the second professional implementation of the p-version (after FIESTA in 1977), and ultimately the third generation of FEA software. By this time, PROBE had become heavily utilized at the McDonnell Aircraft Company in St. Louis.
1989 PROBE is acquired by MSC In 1989, the rights for PROBE were purchased by the MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation (MSC). A subsequent p-version implementation into MSC Nastran was performed, but largely unsuccessful due to a ‘square peg/round hole’ approach.
1991 First successful implementation of model hierarchies in numerical simulation The first implementation of model hierarchies in FEA software was successfully completed. This meant that for the first time in FEA history, an analyst could separate errors of discretization and idealization. This is essential for verification, validation and uncertainty quantification (VVUQ).
1999 StressCheck selected by the CAI as a new standard for composites analysis After an extensive study, in 1999 the Composites Affordability Initiative (CAI) committee ‘unanimously’ chose StressCheck as the best software tool to replace existing standard tools used for the analysis of bonded composite aircraft structures.
2008 NASA Standard for Models and Simulations In 2008, NASA released a standard for the development of models and simulations: ‘The standard consists of two parts. The first is the traditional requirements section addressing programmatics, development, documentation, verification, validation, and the reporting of results from both the M&S analysis and the examination of compliance with this standard. The second part is a scale for evaluating the credibility of model and simulation results using levels of merit associated with 8 key factors.’ Therefore, any FEA simulation must past strict requirements of verification to meet compliance. StressCheck is the only tool to meet these requirements.
2011 Introduction to Finite Element Analysis is published In 2011, Drs. Barna Szabo and Ivo Babuska published a follow-up to their 1991 text ‘Finite Element Analysis’ with ‘Introduction to Finite Element Analysis’. This text was published as a teaching companion, as well as a learning aid, for both educators, students and professionals.