Software for Finite Element Analysis Without a Conforming Mesh

Directly Uses CAD Solid Models for Finite Element Analysis

This software aids in structural analysis and dynamic simulation as well as shape and topology optimization using a background mesh, or grid to avoid the need to generate a mesh that fits the geometry. Computational accuracy and efficiency are similar or better than traditional finite element analysis while the time and cost of generating a model are drastically reduced. Several industries, including automotive, aerospace, building construction and defense, routinely use engineering analysis software based on the finite element method. These require geometry from Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems to be converted into a mesh consisting of simple shaped elements. Available mesh generation software programs are not fully automated and therefore mesh generation is the most expensive part of engineering analysis.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed software that directly uses solid models from CAD software for the analysis. This technology eliminates the need for generating a conforming mesh by using a background mesh that is easy to generate automatically regardless of geometric complexity. The elements of the background mesh are regular shaped as they do not have to be distorted to fit the geometry, thereby improving accuracy.

Application

Software to perform a variety of engineering analyses as well as shape and topology optimization using a background mesh that overlaps the CAD model representing the geometry
Specific applications include:

• Structural analysis and design
• Simulation of structural dynamics, vibration and impact
• Thermal analysis
• Magneto-static and Electro-static analysis
• Shape and topology optimization of structures

Advantages

• Eliminates the time-consuming process of generating a mesh for parts and assemblies with complex geometries, allowing analysis to run smoother and more efficiently
• Utilizes CAD systems to directly import geometry, preventing any loss of accuracy in geometry representation
• Reduces the time and cost of creating analysis models, enabling more design iterations and improving product quality
• Delivers engineering analysis capability via the cloud computing paradigm, allowing the software to run on remote servers with more memory, storage capacity and computational power

Technology

This engineering analysis software extends the traditional finite element method to perform analysis and optimization using a structured background mesh that overlaps a CAD model of the system being analyzed. This approach is called the Immersed Boundary Finite Element Method (IBFEM) because the geometry is immersed in the background mesh. It is possible to automatically create the background mesh because the elements do not have to be distorted to fit the geometry. This ensures a perfect mesh, improving the quality of the analysis results. In addition to traditional Lagrange elements, this software supports B-spline elements which provide better quality results for stresses and strains that are continuous between elements. It implements a variety of applications and multi-physics analyses, with the potential to add almost any type of analysis needed for engineering analysis, design and process simulation.