 There are so many reasons engineering components break, I've seen quite a few and here is my top ten list. There must be many others that I've missed. I've always said that the best way to learn about engineering and in particular finite element analysis, is to study components that have already broken.
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 Those were the days! When we had 3 TV channels, the remote control was a broom handle and no one had a mobile phone. Kids rode their BMX bikes on the pavement, all wearing their Parka coats with hoods over their heads and the coat flapping behind them like a Batman cape.
Times have changed and things have moved on in the world and in engineering design. The days of over designing components are long gone, engineers are using tools like CAD, CAE, FEA and CFD to make lighter, stronger and more durable products. Here are my favourite top ten tips for designing durable components.  Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a very good tool for providing useful insight to the strength and durability of mechanical components and large structures. It’s often integrated into CAD and anyone can do it.
Learning to operate FEA software to check if components are the correct thickness or size is easy. Or is it?……… The answer is yes and no. It is easy to run analysis models and find stress levels but a bit harder to get it right first time. I get a lot of enquiries from clients to fix components that have broken because the FEA was not done properly. Embracing failure is the best way to learn from your own mistakes and those of others. Here is list of common reasons FEA Analysis goes bad!  There’s no trick to FEA, it’s just a simple trick! :)
Seriously, there are a few tips that I’ve picked up over the years and here is my top ten favourites.  To put it in one sentence, nonlinear Finite Element Analysis (FEA) results change with time or load at a rate that cannot be predicted by following the same path.
 Well before the days of finite element analysis (FEA), the days when the cowman roamed the range with his herds. Life was hard, cowmen didn’t take a bath, they just dusted off. They were bound by unwritten rules and codes of conduct based around loyalty, respect for others and fair play.
 There are lots of engineering scenarios that cause a structure or components to sway, shake, rattle and roll. It could be induced by an earthquake, a rotating shaft, the pistons of an engine, the meshing of gears and so on. All show themselves as either movement or vibration.
 Watching the sunset with a loved one brings about a feeling of peace and tranquillity. It somehow removes you from the hustle and bustle of daily life and can free your mind to think about the bigger picture.
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