10 Best Finite Element Analysis Courses and Certifications Online

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a powerful tool used by engineers to simulate and analyze complex structures and systems. With the rise of online learning, there are numerous options available for individuals looking to improve their FEA skills. In this article, we will explore some of the top FEA courses available online, highlighting their features and benefits. Whether you are a student or a professional, these courses can help you gain a deeper understanding of FEA concepts and techniques, and enhance your ability to tackle real-world engineering problems.

Here’s a look at the Best Finite Element Analysis Courses and Certifications Online and what they have to offer for you!

10 Best Finite Element Analysis Courses and Certifications Online

1. Practical Finite Element Analysis, ABAQUS Python Scripting by Renganathan Sekar (Udemy) (Our Best Pick)

The Practical Finite Element Analysis, ABAQUS Python Scripting course is an application-oriented program that provides an introduction to Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Python scripting in ABAQUS. The course aims to bridge the gap between FEM theory and application, and equip learners with the skills required to work in the growing field of simulation-assisted design processes.

The course description highlights the increasing demand for FEA and Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) professionals in the industry, and the importance of skilled individuals who can help companies incorporate simulation in their product development lifecycle. The course is designed to help learners understand the bigger picture of product design and adaptation to the ever-changing landscape of the industry.

The course emphasizes the importance of a clear and conceptual understanding of the concepts of FEA, rather than an in-depth knowledge of the mathematical theory. Through practical examples and case studies from the industry, learners will gain the aptitude to select and use the right tools from commercially available FEA packages.

The course is fully application-oriented, and covers topics such as types of FE analysis, element types and their applications in FEA, meshing and boundary conditions in FEA, verification and validation in FEA, and introduction to Python scripting in ABAQUS. The latter part of the course focuses on Python scripting for simulating problems using ABAQUS, and covers five different problems, including static deflection of a truss, cantilever beam, contact analysis of an electrical switch, steady state thermal analysis, and parameterization of a truss.

Overall, this course is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to enhance their skills in the field of FEA and Python scripting, and to meet the growing demand for simulation-assisted design professionals.

2. Complete Altair Hypermesh & Optistruct Course by Orville Academy (Udemy)

The Complete Altair Hypermesh & Optistruct Course, offered by Orville Academy, is designed to help beginners become experts in meshing and analysis through theoretical concepts behind CAE/FEA, as well as hands-on industry projects and case studies. The course covers topics such as creating and modifying CAD/Geometry, meshing, connections, and analysis. The first section focuses on the theory of FEA, followed by a section on meshing, which includes hands-on exercises and discussions on quality checks and mathematical formulations. The course also covers building assembly of various components using connections, and performing modal analysis, static analysis, and buckling analysis. The course includes projects such as frame assembly, mounting bracket, convergence study, and plastic meshing. The last section is reserved for participant doubts, which will be addressed by the instructor.

3. Finite Element Analysis with MATLAB and ANSYS by Cong Tien Nguyen (Udemy)

The Finite Element Analysis with MATLAB and ANSYS course is a comprehensive example-based program for Finite Element Analysis. The course provides examples for 1D, 2D, and 3D Truss, 2D plane stress, 2D plane strain, and 3D solid elements. It is designed to help learners write FEM codes for structural analysis and FEA.

The course follows an instruction format where the key formulations are provided to summarize theories. Learners are clearly instructed on how to write FEM codes and ANSYS scripts, with every line of code being explained in detail. The course also provides detailed instructions on how to extract results from ANSYS and FEM codes, allowing learners to make comprehensive comparisons between their results and ANSYS.

By practicing the examples, learners can achieve advanced coding skills in MATLAB and scripting in ANSYS. The course covers fundamental theories in Finite Element Analysis, how to write codes for various structures, how to write advanced ANSYS scripts, and how to extract results from ANSYS and FEM codes for comprehensive comparison.

The course contains six sections, which are Basic Concepts in FEA, 1D Truss Element, 2D Truss Element, 3D Truss Element, 2D Plate Element, and 3D Solid Element. The last section is a course summary and outlook.

Overall, the Finite Element Analysis with MATLAB and ANSYS course is a practical program that can help learners develop coding skills and an understanding of FEA.

4. ABAQUS FEM : All you need ( A to Z ) by Aria Djavid (Udemy)

The ABAQUS FEM course is designed to help beginners and mediocres build their knowledge and become professionals in ABAQUS. The course covers multiple examples that encompass all topics, providing a complete understanding of the software.

The course is divided into several sections that include an introduction to ABAQUS, CAD in ABAQUS, tension analysis of a simple supported beam, truss load analysis under concentrated loading, planar stress analysis on a perforated plate, steady state heat transfer analysis in a metal plate, fracture mechanics, tension around a crack, and modeling of composite materials in ABAQUS.

Students will learn how to use ABAQUS from scratch and gain comprehensive knowledge of the software. The course instructors are experienced professionals who will guide students through the learning process. By the end of the course, students will have the necessary skills to apply ABAQUS FEM to real-life problems.

5. ANSYS Workbench – Introduction to simulation design by AulaGEO Academy, Felix Enzo Garofalo Lanzuisi (Udemy)

The ANSYS Workbench – Introduction to simulation design course offered by AulaGEO Academy and Felix Enzo Garofalo Lanzuisi is a basic guide that helps engineers create mechanical simulations using the free finite element analysis program. The course covers topics such as stress analysis, heat transfer, vibration modes, and finite element meshing. The classes are designed to follow the logical design steps, making it easy to reach complex analysis. Practical examples are provided for hands-on training, and learners can advance at their own pace. ANSYS Workbench 15.0 is used in the course, and users will learn to use its schematic tools.

The course has two main sections, which are the DesignModeler and Mechanical. In the DesignModeler section, learners are guided through the process of creating and editing geometries for analysis in ANSYS Mechanical. The topics covered here include user interface, creation of sketches, creation of 3D geometries, importing data from other modelers, and modeling with parameters. In the Mechanical section, learners focus on the mechanical simulation module, where they learn to build, analyze, and interpret a mechanical simulation model. The topics covered include the analysis process, static structural analysis, vibration modes analysis, thermal analysis, and case studies with multiple scenarios.

The course content includes an introduction, interface (WorkBench), geometry (DesignModeler), mechanical simulation module, structural static analysis, modal analysis, stationary thermal analysis, parameterized scenarios, and conclusion. The course is regularly updated to provide learners with the latest information, and it is suitable for both beginners and those familiar with the ANSYS Workbench program.

6. Finite Element Analysis Training : Altair Hypermesh & Abaqus by Hrishikesh Bhagawati (Udemy)

The Finite Element Analysis Training course, “Altair Hypermesh & Abaqus,” is designed to provide practical and in-depth FEA/CAE projects using Altair Hypermesh & Abaqus. The course includes two projects where learners will work on meshing, load applications, load step setup, running different analysis, debugging errors in analysis, and interpreting results to come up with better design solutions. By the end of the course, learners will gain actual working experience on FEA/CAE projects and be confident to start or switch their career in the field. The course covers the basics of FEA/CAE, an introduction to Hypermesh, Abaqus, and Hyperview, and examples used in current industries.

The first project focuses on creating a FEA model in Altair Hypermesh from scratch till building the model. Learners will perform different types of analysis such as rigid body modes analysis, linear static analysis, and modal analysis, using Altair Hypermesh, Abaqus, and Altair Hyperview. The second project involves creating a bigger and more complex FEA/CAE model from scratch till full model built up for analysis. The project includes rigid body modes analysis, linear static analysis, and modal analysis, using Altair Hypermesh, Abaqus, and Altair Hyperview. The course also covers debugging different errors while running analysis and interpretation of the results in Altair HyperView.

Additionally, the instructor will share a number of files with learners such as CAD files, presentations, and documents, allowing them to work on the files simultaneously as they progress in the course. The course content and sections include an introduction, basics of FEA/CAE, Altair Hypermesh, important commands to work in Hypermesh, two projects, 1D and 3D meshing, rigid body modes analysis, modal analysis, static analysis, and a bonus video.

7. Finite Element Analysis with MATLAB & ANSYS: BEAM STRUCTURES by Cong Tien Nguyen (Udemy)

The course “Finite Element Analysis with MATLAB & ANSYS: BEAM STRUCTURES” covers the key formulations for 2D and 3D beam elements in Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Participants will learn about the two-node beam element and its formulations, and how to deal with complex 3D beam structures. They will also learn how to write FEM codes in MATLAB to analyze complex 3D beam structures, write input files and run FEA in ANSYS, and calculate stress and strain in complex beam structures.

The course includes several projects in which participants will conduct FEA for various beam structures such as single cantilever beam, L-frame, 2D and 3D roof structures, building frames, offshore structures, and lattice structures with negative Poisson’s ratio. MATLAB codes for all projects and ANSYS input files are available for download and practice. Lecture notes (PowerPoints) for all tutorials are also available. Additional support is available upon request.

The course instructor, Cong Tien Nguyen, is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering of the University of Strathclyde. He received a Ph.D. in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and his research interests focus on Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI), Fracture Mechanics, Peridynamics, Fatigue, Corrosion, Machine Learning.

The course is divided into several sections, including Introduction, Beam Formulations, Codes used for all projects, Project 1-2D Roof Structures, Project 2-3D Roof Structures, Project 3-Frames of a Building, Project 4-Offshore Structures, Project 5-2D Lattice Structures, Project 6-3D Lattice Structures-Exercise, Project 7-Stress and Strain Calculation, and Conclusion.

8. Siemens Femap Nastran : Learn Engineering Simulations by Veer Tutorial (Udemy)

This is a technical writing summarization of the course titled “Siemens Femap Nastran: Learn Engineering Simulations”, its instructors, and its content. The course teaches Nastran from basics to advanced levels with practical applications using examples related to real-life engineering problems.

The course covers 15 main topics including solid assembly analysis, bar analysis, beam analysis, truss members, linear static problems, modal analysis, heat transfer, non-linear analysis, buckling, mid surfacing, transient analysis, friction contact, large deformation non-linear analysis, finite element analysis, and the process of engineering simulation followed in the industries.

The course instructor has a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering and over 8 years of experience in product design and simulation. He is currently a senior lead engineer in a top automotive industry in India.

The course requires Simcenter Nastran (also known as Fe-map nastran) and is conducted in English. It has a length of 6 hours and includes all the example files used in the course for self-practice. The instructor offers help with software installation if any issues arise.

This course is ideal for mechanical engineers, automobile engineers, FEA/CAE engineers, design engineers, and mechanical students. Its features include unlimited and lifetime access to all video lectures, the ability to ask questions or doubts in the Q&A section or via direct message, and the following sections: Introduction, Basics of FEA, Analysis of Solid Assembly, Analysis of Bar, Analysis of Beam, Truss Analysis, Mid-surface Analysis, Meshing in NASTRAN, Buckling Analysis, Dynamic Analysis, Heat Transfer Analysis, Transient Analysis, Non-linear Analysis, Slide Contact Analysis, and Contact Analysis, and Advance Non-linear Analysis.

9. ABAQUS Finite element analysis FOR RC STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS by Faisal Zargar (Udemy)

The ABAQUS Finite element analysis for RC Structural Elements course is an instructional program taught by Faisal Zargar. The course provides an overview of finite element analysis and covers the basics of working in ABAQUS. Students will gain a general perspective on how to model, analyze, and design RC structural elements using ABAQUS.

The course is tailored to cover concrete and steel embodied structures, which are difficult to find elsewhere. Students can expect to learn a great deal and excel in this field of simulation. The course is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to work on real-world projects.

The course content is divided into two chapters. Chapter 1 focuses on Reinforced Concrete Beams, while Chapter 2 covers Reinforced Concrete Beam Column Joints. The course content is structured to provide a step-by-step guide to modeling and analyzing RC structures in ABAQUS. The course also includes practical examples and case studies to reinforce student learning.

Overall, the ABAQUS Finite element analysis for RC Structural Elements course is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to work on real-world structural engineering projects. By the end of the course, students will have a general perspective of how to carry out working in ABAQUS, and will be able to model, analyze, and design RC structural elements with ease.

10. LS-DYNA FOR FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS by CAE Geek (Udemy)

The LS-DYNA for Finite Element Analysis course is designed to teach engineering simulation using LS-DYNA, an advanced general-purpose multiphysics simulation software package created by the Livermore Software Technology Corporation (LSTC).

The software’s core competency lies in solving highly nonlinear transient dynamic finite element analysis (FEA) using explicit time integration steps. This course is intended for those with little or no knowledge in LS-DYNA or any other CAE Simulation tools.

The course begins with an introduction to LS-DYNA, followed by LS-DYNA basics and how to perform your first simulation using LS-DYNA. Students will then learn explicit quas-static analysis, explicit nonlinear analysis, and non-linear contact simulation.

The course aims to teach students LS-DYNA from scratch, including its historical roots and the underlying engineering principles governing the simulation. The course is geared towards beginners in engineering simulation and students seeking to expand their knowledge of LS-DYNA.