Key Interview Questions for FEA Engineer at Marutee Design | Engineer’s Interview Blueprint

Do FEA (Finite Element Analysis) interviews feel like a mystery to you?  

For many engineers, knowing what to expect during an interview can feel like the hardest part of the job search. 

You’ve put in the hours, studied the textbooks, and perfected your skills, but when it comes to interviews, the uncertainty of the questions can make even the most prepared candidates second-guess themselves.  

How can you feel confident when you don’t know what’s coming? 

This blog is designed to demystify the process. We’ve collected real interview questions from Marutee Design, a company that’s hiring FEA engineers just like you.  

These questions will give you an inside look at what top firms are asking and help you prepare with clarity, so there are no surprises during your next interview. 

Let’s uncover the real interview questions you’ll face as an FEA engineer. 

1. What are the quality criteria in ANSA? 

Quality criteria in ANSA ensure the accuracy of finite element models. Key aspects include checking element aspect ratio, skewness, warpage, and jacobian. Meeting these criteria is crucial for generating a mesh that delivers reliable simulation results. 

2. Can you explain the types of FEA processes? 

FEA involves three main processes: 

• Preprocessing: This is where the model is prepared, including geometry cleanup, meshing, and applying material properties. 
• Solution: In this stage, the simulation is run based on the model inputs and boundary conditions. 
• Post-processing: This final step involves analyzing the simulation results to check for stresses, deformations, or other critical outputs. 

3. How can you save time when working with similar ribs? 

In ANSA or similar software, you can use symmetry tools or replicate ribs using the copy/paste function. This reduces manual work and ensures consistency in your model. 

4. How do you model a doghouse in FEA? 

The doghouse is a feature used in plastic parts for attachment and strength. To model it, ensure you follow the material and geometric requirements, maintaining adequate thickness and avoiding sharp corners to prevent stress concentration. 

5. What are the methods for mid-surface extraction? 

Mid-surface extraction is used to simplify thin-walled structures by reducing their 3D geometry to a 2D representation. Methods include automatic mid-surface extraction and manual extraction for more complex geometries. 

6. What types of checks and procedures are used to clear an FEA model? 

Checks include verifying element quality (aspect ratio, warpage, skewness), ensuring the proper alignment of mid-surfaces, and checking for free edges or duplicate elements. Clearing these ensures a robust model ready for simulation. 

Hypermesh-Specific Questions 

1. What is the mirror option in Hypermesh? 

The mirror option allows you to duplicate parts of your model symmetrically. It’s especially useful when working with symmetric components, saving time by avoiding manual remeshing. 

2. Explain the connections like seam weld, spot weld, and bolt in Hypermesh. 

• Seam weld: Used to connect two surfaces along their edges. 
• Spot weld: Joins two parts at discrete points, commonly used in automotive assemblies. 
• Bolt: Represents bolted connections where pre-tension and fastener properties are included in the simulation. 

3. What is 3D meshing in Hypermesh? 

3D meshing involves creating volume meshes for solid parts. It’s used for components that cannot be simplified into 2D or mid-surface representations, ensuring accurate stress distribution for thick or complex geometries. 

Radioss-Specific Questions 

1. What’s the difference between intersection and penetration in Radioss? 

In Radioss, intersection refers to the overlapping of elements or surfaces, while penetration happens when one surface goes through another inappropriately. Both can cause errors in simulations and should be corrected before running the analysis. 

2. What are material cards in Radioss? 

Material cards define the properties of materials used in the simulation, such as elasticity, plasticity, or failure criteria. These cards help the solver understand how the material behaves under different loads or conditions. 

3. What are the different types of analysis in Radioss? 

Radioss supports various types of analysis, including: 

• Linear static for simple load cases, 
• Nonlinear static for more complex deformations, 
• Dynamic analysis for impact or crash scenarios. 

4. What is the significance of FMVSS abbreviations and standards? 

FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) are U.S. regulations that outline safety standards for vehicle design. In FEA, compliance with FMVSS ensures that the model meets safety requirements for crashworthiness and occupant protection. 

5. What is timestep and how does it relate to dynamic analysis? 

The timestep in dynamic analysis determines how the solver progresses through time in small intervals. Smaller timesteps provide more accurate results, especially in fast-transient events like crashes. 

6. What happens if the part thickness is less than 5mm but a 3D mesh is used instead of 2D? 

If you use a 3D mesh for parts thinner than 5mm, it may unnecessarily increase computation time without significant accuracy gains. A 2D mesh is typically more efficient for thin parts. 

Interviews don’t have to feel like an unsolvable puzzle.  

By understanding the specific questions companies like Marutee Design ask, you can eliminate the guesswork and focus on demonstrating your expertise.  

Study these questions, refine your answers, and head into your interview with the knowledge that you’re ready to tackle anything they throw your way. 

You’re closer to landing your dream FEA job than you think—go in prepared and make it happen! 

With Skill-Lync's Post Graduate Programs, you'll build a rock-solid foundation in all these critical concepts, making you interview-ready in no time. Plus, our Career Experts offer hands-on support through mock interviews, resume workshops, LinkedIn profile optimization, and much more! 

Sign up for a FREE course demo today, and let’s start your journey toward landing that dream job!