This course introduces the theory and application of the finite element method, with an emphasis on the use of the method. The course is divided into two parts: a discussion of the concepts and theory behind the FE method, and the use and application of the method using the commercial software package ANSYS Workbench. The theory and application will be presented concurrently throughout the semester. Topics will include 2D and 3D stress analysis (linear and nonlinear), thermal analysis, beam and frame analysis, modeling techniques, and critiquing the results. Prereq: ME 442 and ME 213 or ABEN 255. Dual-listing: ME 677.