Accurate simulations for safe and efficient designs
The finite element method (FEM) is one of the most important numerical simulation techniques in modern engineering. FEM enables the precise analysis of the mechanical behaviour of components, assemblies and complete structures under real-world loading conditions. This includes, amongst other things:
- Stress distributions
- Deformations
- Stresses and weak points
- Service life and fatigue strength assessments
- Safety and optimisation potential
FEM simulations enable this critical information to be obtained early in the development phase – long before physical prototypes are produced. This reduces development risks and enables well-founded technical decisions.
LTKON uses professional FEM calculations to:
- Significantly accelerate development processes
- Reduce material usage and manufacturing costs
- Make designs safer, more robust and longer-lasting
- Use resources more efficiently
- Minimise risks of failure, damage or complaints
Our FEM simulations provide a solid foundation for structural optimisation, cost-effective designs and higher product quality – from individual components to complex assemblies.
What is an FEM calculation?
The finite element method (FEM) is a powerful numerical simulation technique that enables complex physical and mechanical problems to be calculated with precision. It involves dividing the geometry of a component into many small, computable elements. Each element is analysed individually and then assembled into a realistic overall model.
In this way, an FEM calculation provides meaningful results regarding:
- Loads and stress distributions
- Lifetime and fatigue behaviour
- Strength and stability
- Deformations and mesh reactions
The method enables detailed insights into structural behaviour — long before physical prototypes are produced.
FEM analyses are used wherever components and structures need to be designed to be safe, robust and efficient. Common engineering questions include:
- Is the component sufficiently dimensioned?
- How is stress distributed within the component under load?
- Where can material and weight be saved without compromising safety?
- How long will a component last under cyclic or periodic loads?
Realistic simulations provide designers and engineers with a sound basis for decision-making regarding component optimisation, damage prevention and cost reduction.
Our services
Structural analysis & strength verification
Using precise structural analyses and
strength verifications, we check whether components and assemblies can reliably withstand the intended loads. Through detailed stress analyses and the calculation of deformations, we identify potential weak points at an early stage and optimise the design in terms of safety, load-bearing capacity and material efficiency.
This minimises risks, extends service life and significantly reduces manufacturing costs through the targeted use of materials.
Service life & strength calculation
Detailed fatigue strength and fatigue analyses enable precise predictions of how long a component will function reliably under repeated or cyclic loads. By identifying potential signs of fatigue at an early stage, designs can be optimised in a targeted manner, safety risks minimised and service life significantly extended.
Service life calculation, fatigue strength and fatigue analysis are indispensable tools for designing components to withstand the specified loads, using materials efficiently and preventing costly failures.
Linear and non-linear simulations
We distinguish between linear FEM calculations, which model elastic material behaviour and small deformations, and more sophisticated non-linear simulations. These are always used when real-world conditions are more complex – for example, in contact analyses, large deformations, dynamic load cases, or material behaviour outside the elastic range.
Non-linear FEM enables particularly realistic results and provides valuable insights for the design of safe, robust and cost-effective structures.
Industries & Applications
FEM calculations can be applied across a wide range of industries, for example in:
- Mechanical and plant engineering
- Automotive and commercial vehicle engineering
- Product and component development
- Automotive and specialised machinery engineering
- Lightweight construction applications
FAQ – FEM calculations
Linear FEM calculations are suitable for small deformations and elastic material behaviour. They are straightforward and computationally efficient.
Non-linear FEM analyses, on the other hand, take into account large deformations, contact issues and complex material behaviour. As a result, they provide more realistic results, but are also more computationally intensive.
Ideally, this should be done as early as the concept or early development phase.
This allows weaknesses to be identified at an early stage, materials to be used more efficiently, prototype costs to be reduced and structural safety to be improved. FEM helps you make informed decisions before expensive physical prototypes need to be built.