Find the load, then size the bolts
Dearth suggests this problem as an example of using FEA to determine reactions at bolts. "I recommend working through a few sample or warm-up problems with textbook solutions before tackling the real one. This problem simulates a 300-lb load on a bracket and tube. The task is to estimate reactions at the four mounting locations so bolts can be sized for them. This problem contains features of real-life engineering challenges and can be solved with pencil and paper using conventional static analysis — summing the forces of a free body diagram. A second task estimates reactions at the bolt locations using FEA. Then compare results," he says.
