Abstract: A structural analysis system and method for efficiently analyzing a finite element model (for example, loads and model data) that represents a structure include identifying, by a model analysis control unit, elements of the finite element model, automatically grouping, by the model analysis control unit, the elements into sets, and associating, by the model analysis control unit, the sets with components of the structure.

Abstract: A structural analysis system and method for efficiently analyzing a finite element model (for example, loads and model data) that represents a structure include identifying, by a model analysis control unit, elements of the finite element model, automatically grouping, by the model analysis control unit, the elements into sets, and associating, by the model analysis control unit, the sets with components of the structure.

Abstract: A method of refining a mesh includes selecting an existing coarse element having existing nodes and existing indices, inputting a quantity of refined elements to be created along an element edge, and generating a parametric grid on the existing coarse element. The method may further include placing refined nodes at parametric grid locations wherein the refined nodes have subindices linked to the existing indices. The method may additionally include deleting the existing coarse element, and creating refined elements having subindices linked to the existing indices of the existing coarse element.