# Are there any possible applications of real-time Finite Element Analysis?

FEA when applied to solid mechanics / structural engineering result in the solution to the equation $$F = K\cdot x$$ $F$ being the forces, $K$ the stiffness of the system and $x$ represents the resulting displacement.

Now if I were to analyse a live experiment where, lets say, I am applying a point load to a beam, gradually increasing in magnitude. As the load increases the deflection in the beam increases.

Using some sensors and data-acquisition system, if I were to read this load, into a FE program, then I would have, in the equation above, a scenario of load which updates, every few seconds, and this should result in new solution to the FE equation. Also, the actual displacement values can be read using a displacement sensor and fed to the FE program for validation / model updation.

This creates kind of a loop, and completes the definition of real-time FE solver.

Would such a system have any practical use?

• Some applications have been in the field of surgery. E.g., amses-journal.com/content/pdf/2213-7467-1-11.pdf – stali Aug 1 '15 at 17:07
• I seem to recall a guest lecture discussing wind farm blade control systems ... I will see if I can find the reference, – Damien Aug 4 '15 at 8:51