We conduct comparative analyses where we are not as interested in the absolute stress or strain attributes but how they change from a baseline when a feature or component is added, removed, or modified.

In this case, we performed one FEA with a stiffening component removed then again with it in place and compared the changes in stress and strain values.  It was through this analysis that we determined the necessity for the stiffening component thus concluding that a cost saving can not be achieved by eliminating the use of the stiffening component.

We utilize this kind of analysis as required throughout the term of our design responsbilities to ensure that correct decisions are being made throughout development.