While hand calculations can provide a general understanding of the stresses inherent in a design, finite element analysis (FEA) can provide a more accurate depiction of a component’s stress and deflections, often identifying stress concentrations that are otherwise hard to determine.  Utilizing SolidWorks 2007 and COSMOSWorks analysis software, General Power Engineering Associates can examine individual components or entire assemblies of components.  GPEA's capabilities for FEA studies include: