Independent Technical Review of Finite Element Analysis
Engineering decisions are often made from analyses developed by someone other than the person approving the decisions. The analysis may already be complete, the results may appear reasonable, and the decision may still depend on whether the analysis provides the evidence to support the conclusion being drawn. FEM Validation provides an independent assessment of that existing analysis.
The relevant question is not simply whether the analysis runs or whether the results appear reasonable. The question is whether the analysis represents the physical problem appropriately, uses credible assumptions and inputs, addresses the applicable requirements, and provides sufficient evidence to support the conclusion.
Can the analysis be relied upon for the decision it is being used to support?
What is Evaluated
The evaluation is tailored to the analysis and decision being reviewed. Depending on the engagement, the review may examine the model configuration and physical representation, applied loads and boundary conditions, mesh and numerical behavior, engineering assumptions, reported results, applicable requirements and acceptance criteria, and independent engineering verification.
The specific scope, load cases, requirements, and level of independent verification are established before work begins.
Independent Verification
Validation is a determination supported by evidence.
Independent engineering checks may be used to establish additional evidence for the validation determination. Depending on the analysis, these may include classical analytical calculations, load-path and equilibrium checks, model property or sensitivity checks, simplified representations, or independent computational analyses.
Verification is selected based on the characteristics of the analysis and the engineering decision being supported. It is not a predetermined checklist applied identically to every model.
What You Receive
The engagement produces a formal FEM Validation Report documenting:
- The analysis package and model configuration reviewed
- The defined validation scope
- Significant findings and their classifications
- Independent verification performed
- Assessment of results against applicable requirements
- Unresolved items and limitations
- The technical basis for the validation determination
- The overall validation status
The report is intended to give engineering leadership a documented basis for understanding what was reviewed, what was found, and what evidence supports the conclusion.
Validation Status
The evaluation results in an overall validation status based on the evidence available within the defined scope.
- Validated – Sufficient credible technical evidence supports the stated engineering decision within the defined scope and limitations.
- Conditionally Validated – The analysis provides sufficient evidence subject to identified conditions, open actions, or limitations.
- Not Validated – The available evidence is insufficient to support the stated engineering decision.
These statuses apply to the analysis and information evaluated. They do not constitute product certification, regulatory approval, or transfer of design authority.
What Is Not Included
FEM Validation is an evaluation of an existing analysis. Unless specifically included in the engagement, it does not include physical testing, redesign, remediation, optimization, correction of the client’s model, reanalysis following corrective actions, specialized multiphysics analysis, lifecycle or reliability analysis, or regulatory representation.
Need additional engineering work after the evaluation?
Corrective analysis, redesign, or other engineering services can be separately scoped where appropriate.
How an Engagement Works
- Define – The analysis, engineering decision, requirements, applicable load cases, and available supporting information are reviewed to establish the scope.
- Evaluate – The existing analysis and supporting information are independently evaluated within the agreed scope.
- Verify – Independent engineering checks are performed where they provide meaningful evidence for the validation determination.
- Report – Findings, evidence, limitations, and the resulting validation status are documented in the FEM Validation Report.
A scheduled progress and technical review meeting is included each week during the engagement to discuss progress, preliminary findings, technical questions, and required client actions.
Engagement
FEM Validation is provided as a defined-scope engagement service. Engagements are established through a written proposal or statement of work defining the applicable scope, deliverables, schedule, and commercial terms.
Typical Engagement: 2 – 4 Weeks
Typical Fee: $10,000 to $30,000
Actual scope, schedule, and pricing depend on the analysis package, complexity, requirements, documentation, and level of independent verification required.
Service Specification
For clients who need a more detailed definition of the service: