Methods for computer-aided simulation of additive manufacturing processes and corresponding systems and computer-readable mediums. A method includes receiving a finite element (FE) model of a part to be manufactured. The method includes intersecting a depositing layer line with the FE model to define an FE layer mesh that represents a manufacturing layer. The method includes simulating manufacture of the FE layer mesh and correspondingly modifying the FE model. The method includes displaying the modified FE model.