'Build better products with finite elements' is the name of a book published by Vince Adams, a well-known finite element guru, who visited South Africa earlier this year. That finite elements are indeed the tools for building better products is a fact well understood by Roland Prukl, our South African finite element guru. In response to the need for more competitive and innovative designs, Roland has commenced offering courses entitled 'Practical finite elements' to assist existing professionals with building better models, and to encourage novices in the field to get better results using finite elements. During the year 2003, Roland delivered a course per quarter, and had excellent attendance with delegates from all walks of engineering life.

While engineers think of structures, plant and mechanical details, finite elements have been used for many everyday designs, including the design of the new thinner Coca Cola tin, and the design of various plastic cups to ensure that they do not burst and splash widely if the cup is dropped. The scope and calibre of the course has developed such a reputation, that the most recently held course boasted delegates travelling from five African states - Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana and Mozambique, as well as a team of South African mechanical and civil engineers.

The response has been excellent. Adrian Peirson of K P Energy summarised the experiences of the delegates when he commented, "The course presented is extremely useful and comprehensive. Not only are the attendees given a sound grounding in the proper use of finite element analysis, but just as importantly, FEA users are warned of the many pitfalls that await the unwary. A five-day intensive course can be somewhat daunting, but the interest is kept high by presentation of a series of practical problems, many of which incorporate a subtle twist that provides an excellent teaching aid."

In 2004 the number of courses will be increased. The training will be organised by the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE), as part of the drive to put CPD in place and assist with skills development. The course will be held in Johannesburg, Durban, Stellenbosch, East London and Bloemfontein, if there is sufficient demand.