3. Conclusion

There are two key points in this first section on the place and possibilities of finite element modeling software (or a chain of digital tools for mechanical analysis):

• drafting an expression of need is an essential prerequisite; it requires sufficient knowledge of the numerical modeling techniques to be used in the software;

• sales presentations are often only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the technical issues that need to be addressed in order to properly evaluate the offer, and in particular to minimize user risks.

The drafting of specifications must therefore be planned over a reasonable period of time. The customer needs to know how to stand back from fashionable ideas and vocabulary. They need to plan for a phase of critical evaluation and the gathering of...