This paper shows the use and effectiveness of finite element method while designing an air core reactor for determining the short circuit forces and stress level due to short circuit. A 500 Amp air core series reactor having nominal voltage rating of 600 Volt was to be designed and to be subjected to a short circuit current of 8 KA for 2 second. A finite element approach was adopted in designing the stress level due to short circuit forces and the results were utilized in developing a reactor that finally withstood the short circuit test.Keywords: Reactor, Short circuit forces, von Mises stress, Finite Element Method, Inductor