A method for predicting preliminary design load cases using an artificial neural network, the method including obtaining, with a processor, historical data corresponding to an existing structural component, the historical data including finite element modeling analysis data and measured test data for the existing structural component, designing the artificial neural network to include a plurality of neurons to form a numerical model for preliminary design load cases of a new structural component, training, with the processor and the historical data for the existing structural component, the artificial neural network to predict the preliminary design load cases for the new structural component, providing input design parameters for the new structural component to the artificial neural network, and predicting, with the artificial neural network, the preliminary design load cases for the new structural component.