Advantages Of FEA :

Can readily handle complex geometry.

Can handle complex analysis types like vibration ,heat transfer ,fluids etc.

Can handle complex loading:

i. Node-based loading (point loads).
ii. Element-based loading (pressure, thermal, inertial forces).
iii. Time or frequency dependent loading.

Can handle complex restraints: Indeterminate structures can be analyzed.

Can handle bodies comprised of nonhomogeneous materials: Can handle bodies

comprised of non-isotropic materials: Orthotropic & Anisotropic.

Special material effects are handled such as temperature dependent properties ,

plasticity , creep , swelling etc.
Disadvantages Of FEA :

A specific numerical result is obtained for a specific problem.

The FEM is applied to an approximation of the mathematical model of a system (the source
of so-called inherited errors).

Experience and judgment are needed in order to construct a good finite element model.

A powerful computer and reliable FEM software are essential.

Input and output data may be large and tedious to prepare and interpret.

Numerical errors such as the limitation of the number of significant digits, rounding off
occur very often.

Fluid elements with boundaries at infinity can be computed and treated by using boundary
element method.