The aim of the analysis is usually to determine whether the element or collection of elements, usually referred to as a structure, behaves as desired under the prescribed loading. For example, this might be achieved when the determined stress from the applied force(s) is less than the tensile yield strength or below the fatigue strength of the material.

Analysis may be performed through classical mathematical techniques, analytic mathematical modelling or computational simulation, through experimental testing techniques, or a combination of methods.

Engineering quantities are usually measured in megapascals (MPa) or gigapascals (GPa)or in imperial units, pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopounds-force per square inch (ksi).