The most elementary form of FEA it is still a powerful and widely used tool. Linear static techniques are ideal for providing information to facilitate stiffness, strength and fatigue assessment on a wide range of model types. The insight given by the displaced shape and stress distribution of a structure can give valuable information as to the critical areas of a design.

The underlying assumption of linear static analysis is that the displacement and stresses of a structure are directly proportional to the load applied. Strictly speaking, the results are only valid whilst the material is stressed below its yield point. Experienced interpretation allows recommendations, based on the results, even when the system falls outside the theoretical regime of the linear static solution.