Serving the Numerical Simulation community since 1989 
Welcome to the official blog of ESRD, where we discuss trending topics in numerical simulation and in the CAE industry.
The idea of achieving convergence by increasing the polynomial degree (p) of the approximating functions on a fixed mesh, known as the p-version of the finite element method, was at odds with the prevailing view in the finite element research community in the 1960s and 70s. But why?
It is generally recognized that explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) will play an important role in numerical simulation where it will impose the requirements of reliability, traceability, and auditability. These requirements will necessitate clear thinking about the nature of mathematical models, the trustworthiness of their predictions, and ways to improve their reliability.
The term “simulation” is often used interchangeably with “finite element modeling” in the engineering literature and marketing materials. It is important to understand the difference between the two.
The development of the finite element method (FEM) consists of two main branches: the art of finite element modeling and the science of finite element analysis. Learn why in this blog.
Confucius (551-479 BC) tells us, engineers working in the 21st century AD, that having a firm grasp on terminology is an essential prerequisite to success. But why are there so many popular but misleading or meaningless terms floating around in engineering presentations, technical papers, blog articles, trainings and workplace environments? Read more in this blog.
Mathematical models have become indispensable sources of information on which technical and business decisions are based. It is therefore vitally important for decision-makers to know whether relying on the predictions of mathematical models is justified. When properly used, numerical simulation can be a major corporate asset. However, it can become a major corporate liability if the reliability of predictions is not guaranteed. Learn more in our latest blog post.
In mid-May 2023, ESRD’s Co-Founder and Chairman Dr. Barna Szabó will deliver a keynote presentation at the ASME VVUQ 2023 Symposium in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Dr. Szabó’s presentation, entitled “Simulation Governance: An Idea Whose Time Has Come”, will focus on the goals and means of Simulation Governance with reference to mechanical/aerospace engineering practice.
In this 15-minute pre-recorded webinar, ESRD Chairman Dr. Barna Szabó addresses some of the key issues of simulation governance, including how model development must adhere to the requirements of simulation governance in order to minimize risk and increase reliability.
A new Simulation Governance (SimGov)-oriented article by ESRD’s Dr. Barna Szabo and Dr. Ricardo Actis, titled “Planning for Simulation Governance and Management – Ensuring Simulation is an Asset, not a Liability”, is available to read in the July 2021 issue of NAFEMS Benchmark magazine.
Recently, Wiley published the second edition of “Finite Element Analysis: Method, Verification and Validation” by ESRD Co-Founders Dr. Barna Szabo and Dr. Ivo Babuška as part of their “Wiley Series in Computational Mechanics”. This edition provides an updated and comprehensive review of the theoretical foundation of the finite element method, and provides engineering students and professionals the tools, concepts, techniques, and procedures that help with an understanding of finite element analysis.
© 2025 · Engineering Software Research & Development, Inc. | Terms & Conditions | Privacy & Cookie Policy | Software License Agreement | Software Maintenance and Technical Support Policy