Towards high fidelity finite element analysis

Abstract This paper presents a systematic procedure for the reliable and accurate use of the Finite Element Method. The emphasis is on assessing the effects of modelling assumptions on the structural response. The work is aimed at enabling structural qualification to be carried out in safety critical situations such as in aircraft structural analysis. The procedure is based on a decomposition of the idealisation process which, is in itself based on a hierarchical decomposition of the structure. Tangible benefits of employing a systematic procedure are shown through examples.