Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:31 PM AWST
22/07/2026 5:31 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Apply finite element analysis in engineering design
Apply finite element analysis in engineering design
Unit of competency
National Code
MEM234019A
MEM234019A
State Code
S8114
S8114
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
29/08/2014
Field of Education
010199 - Mathematical Sciences, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
29/08/2014
Nominal Hours
36
Description
This unit of competency covers the application of finite element analysis (FEA) for engineering design and modification analyses, including stress analysis, displacements and natural frequencies, and temperature and heat distributions in engineering or related applications.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Integrate requirement for FEA into an engineering design application
- 1.1 Establish functions, features and performance parameters of plant, structure or equipment to be analysed
- 1.2 Determine parameters to the brief or contract
- 1.3 Determine occupational health and safety (OHS), regulatory, sustainability and environmental requirements of the application
- 1.4 Provide initial advice based on discipline knowledge, OHS and regulatory standards relating to the suitability of using FEA as an analytical technique
2 Apply FEA solution techniques
- 2.1 Set up a finite element model, including internal and external parameters, element mesh and nodes
- 2.2 Select appropriate solver and adjust parameters for optimum solution
- 2.3 Generate and assess solution file for warnings or errors
- 2.4 Interpret results and generate graphics
- 2.5 Identify areas of excessive stress, deformation, instability and excessive temperatures
- 2.6 Verify results to the required certainty level
- 2.7 Apply systems or holistic thinking, contingencies and constraints management, problem solving and decision making techniques in making recommendations to achieve satisfactory functions, features and performance parameters
- 2.8 Review initial results with client
- 2.9 Negotiate adjustments to brief or contract parameters, if required
3 Embed FEA results in design application
- 3.1 Report and recommend design improvements or modifications as a result of the FEA analysis
- 3.2 Document results of investigations, analysis and recommendations
- 3.3 Obtain sign-off
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
FEA
FEA uses numerical techniques to find approximate solutions for engineering problems, such as:
load, stiffness and deflection analysis and animations for vehicle crash simulations
hopper and bin designs
piping systems
heat flow, such as in in cavity moulds, load distribution, stiffness and strength in structures
Parameters to the brief
The design brief may include the design of new equipment or fault analysis, rectification or modification to an existing design. Parameters to the design brief may include:
determination of the degree of innovation and creativity expected by the client
design process limits and budgets
product cost limits and budgets
performance specifications
equipment availability, capacities and restrictions
specified administrative, communication and approval procedures
other special features and limits in the design brief
Standards and codes
Standards and codes refer to all relevant Australian and international standards and codes applicable to a particular design task
OHS, regulatory, sustainability and environmental requirements
OHS, regulatory, sustainability and environmental requirements may include:
OHS Acts and regulations
relevant standards
industry codes of practice
risk assessments
registration requirements
safe work practices
minimising ecological and environmental footprint of process, plant and product
maximising economic benefit of process plant and product to the organisation and the community
minimising the negative OHS impact on employees, community and customer
state and territory regulatory requirements
Appropriate solver
Appropriate solver may include:
sparse
preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG)
incomplete cholesky conjugate gradient
frontal
Client
Client may be:
internal or external to the organisation
FEA
FEA uses numerical techniques to find approximate solutions for engineering problems, such as:
load, stiffness and deflection analysis and animations for vehicle crash simulations
hopper and bin designs
piping systems
heat flow, such as in in cavity moulds, load distribution, stiffness and strength in structures
Parameters to the brief
The design brief may include the design of new equipment or fault analysis, rectification or modification to an existing design. Parameters to the design brief may include:
determination of the degree of innovation and creativity expected by the client
design process limits and budgets
product cost limits and budgets
performance specifications
equipment availability, capacities and restrictions
specified administrative, communication and approval procedures
other special features and limits in the design brief
Standards and codes
Standards and codes refer to all relevant Australian and international standards and codes applicable to a particular design task
OHS, regulatory, sustainability and environmental requirements
OHS, regulatory, sustainability and environmental requirements may include:
OHS Acts and regulations
relevant standards
industry codes of practice
risk assessments
registration requirements
safe work practices
minimising ecological and environmental footprint of process, plant and product
maximising economic benefit of process plant and product to the organisation and the community
minimising the negative OHS impact on employees, community and customer
state and territory regulatory requirements
Appropriate solver
Appropriate solver may include:
sparse
preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG)
incomplete cholesky conjugate gradient
frontal
Client
Client may be:
internal or external to the organisation
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:
determine functions, features and performance parameters of plant, structure or equipment to be analysed
determine parameters to the brief or contract, OHS, regulatory, risk management and sustainability requirements
communicate, advise, negotiate and review with stakeholders and client throughout process
apply FEA solution techniques
set up FEA model, parameters, element mesh and nodes
select solver and adjust and optimise parameters
generate and assess solution file
interpret results, generate graphics and identify significant issues
validate software outputs
apply systems or holistic thinking, contingencies and constraints management, problem solving and decision making techniques in making recommendations
report and document results.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is, the candidate is not in productive work, then a simulated working environment must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Method of assessment
Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge.
Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure its correct interpretation and application.
Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process.
Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:
determine functions, features and performance parameters of plant, structure or equipment to be analysed
determine parameters to the brief or contract, OHS, regulatory, risk management and sustainability requirements
communicate, advise, negotiate and review with stakeholders and client throughout process
apply FEA solution techniques
set up FEA model, parameters, element mesh and nodes
select solver and adjust and optimise parameters
generate and assess solution file
interpret results, generate graphics and identify significant issues
validate software outputs
apply systems or holistic thinking, contingencies and constraints management, problem solving and decision making techniques in making recommendations
report and document results.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is, the candidate is not in productive work, then a simulated working environment must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Method of assessment
Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge.
Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure its correct interpretation and application.
Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process.
Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OEW14 | MEM234019 | Apply finite element analysis in engineering design | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVP3 | MEA60415 | Advanced Diploma of Aeronautical Engineering | Qualification |
| BDV7 | MEA60418 | Advanced Diploma of Aeronautical Engineering | Qualification |
| J482 | MEM80112 | Graduate Diploma of Engineering | Qualification |