FEM
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Finite element method |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Science & Engineering, Writing & Everyday |
| Also written | fem. |
FEM has two meanings. It stands for Finite element method (engineering) or Feminine (grammar and dictionary).
Meanings of FEM at a glance
| # | FEM stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finite element method | Science & Engineering › Engineering |
| 2 | Feminine | Writing & Everyday › Grammar and Dictionary |
1. Finite element method
Science & Engineering · Engineering Abbreviations
Numerical method for approximately solving the partial differential equations of physics by dividing a domain into small elements with simple equations. FEM is the mathematical foundation of finite element analysis software used in structural, thermal, electromagnetic and acoustic simulation.
Example: The course covers FEM fundamentals, including shape functions and stiffness matrices.
The terms FEM and FEA are often used interchangeably; strictly, FEM is the mathematical method and FEA its engineering application. The method was developed largely by aerospace and civil engineers in the 1950s and 1960s. Related numerical approaches include the finite difference and finite volume methods.
2. Feminine (fem.)
Writing & Everyday · Grammar and Dictionary Abbreviations
Marks feminine grammatical gender or a female form of a word, such as "duchess" beside "duke." Dictionaries of gendered languages like French or Spanish apply a gender label to every noun.
Example: duchess (n.) fem. of duke, the wife or widow of a duke, or a woman holding the rank
Old English had three grammatical genders, but modern English keeps gender mainly in pronouns and a few noun pairs. Many feminine forms such as "authoress" and "poetess" have fallen out of use as style guides prefer gender-neutral terms. French and Spanish dictionaries often shorten the label to f.
Related abbreviations
More engineering abbreviations
- FAT – Factory acceptance test
- FCAW – Flux-cored arc welding
- FE – Fundamentals of Engineering (exam)
- FEA – Finite element analysis
- FMEA – Failure mode and effects analysis
- FoS – Factor of safety
- GD&T – Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing
- GMAW – Gas metal arc welding
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