Summary: This paper presents results of a research project which investigated incorporating finite element analysis results into a virtual environment. Three programs developed in the course of this research are described. MSC/NASTRAN is used to perform the analysis, and WorldToolKit and GL are used to develop the virtual environment. Virtual reality peripherals including a head-mounted display and a BOOM are used with a three-dimensional mouse as interface devices. Sensitivity methods are incorporated into the programs to allow the designer to change design variables and immediately view the effects without performing a re-analysis.