Meshing is the most important step in finite element analysis. Meshing also know as discretization, reduces the degrees of freedom from infinite to finite for finite element analysis or computational fluid dynamics.
Structural analysis is the determination of the effects of loads on physical structures and their components. Structural analysis employs the fields of applied mechanics, materials science and applied mathematics to compute a structure's deformations, internal forces, stresses, support reactions, accelerations, and stability. The results of the analysis are used to verify a structure's fitness for use, often precluding physical tests. Structural analysis is thus a key part of the engineering design of structures.
Thermal analysis is a branch of materials science where component behavior with respect to temperature effects are studied.
Vibration Analysis refers to the process of measuring the vibration levels and frequencies of industrial machinery, and using that information to determine the “health” of the machine, and its components.