The best replacement for finite element is finite difference.


The best alternatives to finite element are rated as following:
★★★★★  finite difference
★★★★  finite volume
★  finite volume method
★  finite difference method
  finite difference methods
  boundary element

Your alternative for finite element is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about finite element, one probably shouldn't forget about stress analysis.

Other search terms related to finite element and their ratings are:

★★★★★ stress analysis
You have in mind a companion for finite element and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

Scale is based on the average worldwide traffic of finite element in all years. Click on graph for more.
finite element
finite difference
finite volume