Mirror finite element mesh generation

Abstract

Embodiments provide functionality for generating a finite element model (FEM). Embodiments start with obtaining a computer-aided design (CAD) model representing a component assembly and an indication of a plane of symmetry within the CAD model. From among the component assemblies, source components and corresponding mirrored components are identified using the obtained CAD model and the indication of the plane of symmetry. In turn, the source component is gridded to generate an FEM representing the source component, and the FEM representing the source component is mirrored to generate an FEM representing the mirrored component.

Description

Background Art

[0001] There are many systems and programs available on the market for designing parts using computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided engineering (CAE). These so-called CAD systems allow the user to build and manipulate complex three-dimensional models of objects or assemblies of objects. Thus, CAD systems provide a representation of the modeled objects using edges, lines or, in some cases, faces or polygons. Lines, edges, faces or polygons can be represented in various ways, such as non-uniform rational basis splines (NURBS).

[0002] These CAD systems manage parts or assemblies of parts modeled by objects, which are primarily geometrical specifications. In particular, a CAD file contains specifications from which the geometry is generated. A representation is generated from the geometry. The specifications, geometry, and representation can be stored in a single CAD file or in multiple CAD files. CAD systems contain graphical tools for representing modeled objects to designers; these tools are specialized for the display of complex objects. For example, an assembly can contain thousands of parts. CAD systems can be used to manage object models stored in electronic files.

[0003] The advent of CAD and CAE systems provides a wide range of representation possibilities for objects. One such representation is the finite element model (FEM). FEM or other such CAD, CAE or computer-based models can be programmed in such a way that the model has the characteristics of one or more underlying objects represented by the model. When FEM or other such computer-based models are programmed in this way, they can be used to perform simulations of the objects represented by the model. For example, FEM can be used to represent the inner cavity of a vehicle, acoustic fluids around a structure, and any number of real-world objects and systems. When a given model represents an object and is programmed accordingly, it can be used to simulate the real-world object itself. For example, a FEM representing a stent can be used to simulate the use of the stent in a real-life medical environment.

[0004] Computer-based models, such as FEMs, can be used to improve the design of an object represented by the model. Design improvements can be identified by using computer-based optimization techniques that run a series of simulations to identify design changes to the model and, therefore, the underlying real-world object represented by the model. Summary of the invention

[0005] While the use of computer-based models is common, such as in optimization methods to improve the design of real-world objects represented by the models, existing computer-based modeling techniques can benefit from improvements. Embodiments provide such functionality, namely improving existing methods for generating finite element models (FEMs). Embodiments provide substantial benefits to users by automating the generation of FEMs, such as those representing large assemblies (e.g., aircraft and automobiles). Embodiments provide improvements to data modeling and process efficiency, and provide performance and time savings.

[0006] An exemplary embodiment is directed to a computer-implemented method for generating a FEM. The method begins by obtaining, by a processor, a CAD model representing an assembly of components and an indication of a symmetry plane within the CAD model in a memory of the processor. The processor identifies a source component and a corresponding mirror component from the assembly of components, wherein the source component and the mirror component are identified using the obtained CAD model and the indication of the symmetry plane. Continuing, the processor meshes the source component to generate a FEM representing the source component, and mirrors the FEM representing the source component to generate a FEM representing the mirror component.

[0007] In an embodiment, at least one of meshing and mirroring is automatically performed in response to identifying a source component and a corresponding mirrored component.

[0008] In another embodiment, at least one of meshing and mirroring is performed in response to a user input. According to an embodiment, the user input is at least one of: an indication of a symmetry plane, an indication to perform obtaining, identifying, meshing, and mirroring, and an indication of a candidate source component. In another embodiment, identifying the source component comprises identifying the source component using the indication of the candidate source component.

[0009] Another embodiment includes at least one of: (i) associating in memory a representation of a source component in a CAD model with a FEM representing the source component; and (ii) associating in memory a representation of a mirror component in a CAD model with a FEM representing the mirror component. In yet another embodiment, in response to modifying the representation of the source component in the CAD model, the method automatically modifies the FEM representing the source component and the FEM representing the mirror component. In another embodiment, in response to modifying the FEM representing the source component, the method automatically modifies the FEM representing the mirror component. Another embodiment includes receiving (i) an indication of a selected element of the representation of the mirror component in the CAD model and (ii) an indication of one or more simulation features to be applied to the selected element. Based on the association of the representation of the mirror component in the CAD model with the FEM representing the mirror component in the memory, the embodiment identifies one or more elements of the FEM representing the mirror component that correspond to the selected elements of the representation of the mirror component in the CAD model. Such an embodiment then applies one or more simulation features to the identified one or more elements of the FEM representing the mirror component, and performs a simulation using the FEM representing the mirror component with the one or more features applied. In another embodiment, the association of a representation of a mirrored component in a CAD model in memory with a FEM of the represented mirrored component includes linking in memory (i) the representation of the mirrored component in the CAD model with a representation of a source component in the CAD model, (ii) the representation of the source component in the CAD model with elements representing the FEM of the source component, and (iii) elements representing the FEM of the source component with elements representing the FEM of the mirrored component.

[0010] Another exemplary embodiment is directed to a system for generating a FEM. The system includes: a processor; and a memory having computer code instructions stored thereon. The processor and the memory are configured with the computer code instructions to cause the system to implement any embodiment or combination of embodiments described herein.

[0011] Yet another exemplary embodiment is directed to a computer program product for generating a FEM. The computer program product includes one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage devices and program instructions stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices. In such embodiments, the program instructions, when loaded and executed by a processor, cause a device associated with the processor to perform a method of any embodiment or combination of embodiments described herein.

[0012] It should be noted that the method, system and computer program product embodiments may be configured to implement any embodiment or combination of embodiments described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of exemplary embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the embodiments.

[0014] Figure 1 is a graphical representation of a method for generating a mirrored FEM of an identified component, according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a method for generating a finite element model according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 is a graphic illustration of how to use 3D modeling tools to create a CAD part across a mirror plane.

[0017] Figure 4 is a graphical illustration of a method for automatically generating a FEM of a CAD assembly using mirroring across a mirror plane, according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 is a graphical illustration of a method for automatically detecting mirrored component pairs in a CAD assembly for FEM mirroring based on identified mirror planes, according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 is a graphical illustration of a method for automatically generating a FEM of both a source component and a mirror component in response to identifying a mirror component.

[0020] Figure 7 is a graphical illustration of a method for generating a FEM based on a user-selected pre-existing FEM, according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 is a graphical illustration of a method of generating a FEM automatically and based on user input according to an embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 9 is a graphical illustration of a method for implementing changes to a FEM according to an embodiment.

[0023] Fig.10 A computer network or similar digital processing environment is shown in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0024] Fig.11 According to the embodiment Fig.10 A diagram of an exemplary internal structure of a computer in a computer system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following is a description of example embodiments.

[0026] Embodiments provide innovative and time-efficient methods and systems for the automatic, comprehensive and associative generation of simulation models, such as finite element models, of symmetric components within an assembly, such as a broad assembly.

[0027] Computer-based design users are looking for ways to simplify operations and ultimately minimize time to market for real-world objects designed and optimized using CAD methods / techniques. In various industries, such as the automotive and aerospace industries, greater than 20% of the components in CAD assemblies representing real-world objects (e.g., cars and airplanes) being designed are symmetrical. Embodiments exploit this symmetry to increase the efficiency of modeling real-world objects. Specifically, embodiments provide improved methods and systems for generating FEMs. Embodiments implement solutions that can quickly replicate half of a symmetric mesh of a model once the opposite half of the symmetric mesh has been modeled.

[0028] Figure 1 1 is a graphical representation of a method 100 for generating a mirrored FEM of an identified component according to an embodiment. The method 100 begins by obtaining a CAD assembly model 104 at step 101. At step 102, interactive options are presented to the user, such as in graphical user interfaces 105a-105b, to allow the user to customize the operation of the FEM mirroring method 100. These options may be selecting a component of the model to be mirrored (105b) and selecting how to process the selected component (105a), i.e., to create a mirrored component across a symmetry plane. For example, in an embodiment, the user interface 105b is a primary user interface that allows the user to: (i) select a model to be mirrored, such as a domain component of 104; (ii) execute the FEM generation process 100; (iii) execute the method 100 in a parallel batch process; and (iv) view the detected mirrored components. In addition, according to an embodiment, the user interface 105a is a sub-user interface derived from settings within the user interface 105b. Among other examples, the user interface 105a allows the user to customize whether a mirrored FEM generation is required. Additionally, if FEM generation is desired, the user interface 105a allows the user to customize the mirror plane based on the user selection in the mirror plane field. Figure 1In the example depicted in , interface 105b includes highlighted elements 107a-107b that instruct the user to view, for example, the content of the detected mirror pair. Rows in interface 105b, such as 108, list the mirrored content identified relative to the source component. In addition, at step 102, the user may identify a mirror plane or indicate a symmetrical component in model 104 that crosses the mirror plane (obtained at step 101). As used herein, "symmetrical component" may be used to refer to a component that crosses the mirror plane and is substantially symmetrical, such as 98% symmetrical, across the mirror plane. Continuing, at step 103, one or more FEMs of the symmetrical components, such as 106a-106b (which may be identified automatically or based on user input) are generated.

[0029] Embodiments of method 100 may be implemented in CAE software, such as the CAE software provided by applicant-assignee Dassault Systemes Americas Corporation. In these embodiments, for example, one may use The interface presented at step 102 is provided by the functions within.

[0030] Figure 2 2 is a flow chart of a method 200 for generating a finite element model according to an embodiment. The method 200 begins by obtaining (i) a CAD model representing a component assembly and (ii) an indication of a symmetry plane within the CAD model in a memory of a processor (implementing the method) at step 201. Continuing, at step 202, a source component and a corresponding mirrored component are identified from the component assembly. The source component and the mirrored component are identified using the obtained CAD model and the indication of the symmetry plane at step 202. Next, at step 203, the source component is meshed to generate a FEM representing the source component. Subsequently, at step 204, the FEM representing the source component is mirrored to generate a FEM representing the mirrored component. In an embodiment of the method 200, among other examples, the generated FEM may be a solid mesh, a surface mesh, and a beam mesh for a plurality of bodies.

[0031] Method 200 is computer-implemented and thus automatically performs functions and efficient operations such as obtaining (201), identifying (202), meshing (203), and mirroring (204) by one or more digital processors. In addition, method 200 can be implemented using any computer device or combination of computing devices known in the art. In other examples, method 200 can be implemented using the following description of the method. Fig.10 and Fig.11The method 200 and embodiments described herein may be implemented in existing computer-based design software. For example, the exemplary embodiments may be implemented in the computer-based design software provided by applicant-assignee Dassault Systèmes USA, Inc. In such embodiments, The Model Assembly Design application of is enriched with embodiments to provide a powerful tool for mirroring FEM.

[0032] Embodiments of method 200 may generate a FEM using geometry from any number of sources. Method 200 is computer-implemented, and thus, a CAD model may be obtained at step 201 from any point (e.g., a data storage device) that is communicatively coupled or capable of being communicatively coupled to a computing device implementing method 200. Furthermore, among other examples, the model obtained at step 201 may include any of the following: (i) a component body, (ii) a solid body, (iii) a geometry from an ordered geometry collection.

[0033] Additionally, at step 201, an indication of a symmetry plane within the CAD model may be obtained using any technique capable of communicating (i.e., indicating) a symmetry plane to a computing device implementing method 200. For example, the indication of the symmetry plane may be provided via a graphical user interface, or by using a programmatic application programming interface (API) available to a user, such as via a component application architecture (CAA) or a scripting API. In another embodiment, the indication of the symmetry plane is obtained by receiving, in response to user input, coordinates of the symmetry plane relative to a coordinate system of the obtained CAD model.

[0034] At step 202, an embodiment of method 200 may automatically identify source components and mirror components using the obtained CAD model and indication of the symmetry plane. According to one such embodiment, the source components and mirror components are determined at step 202 by first generating a corresponding point cloud representing the components for each component (or a subset thereof) of the component assembly. In addition, a mapping between the point cloud and the component is also created to ultimately determine the source component and the mirror component. Then, the corresponding point cloud generated representing the component on the first side of the symmetry plane is compared with the corresponding point cloud generated representing the component on the second side of the symmetry plane to identify the symmetric point cloud. In an embodiment, comparing the point clouds includes comparing the positions of the points in the cloud on the first side of the symmetry plane with the positions of the points in the cloud on the opposite side of the symmetry plane. In such embodiments, the point cloud is considered symmetrical when the positions of the points in the cloud on the first side of the symmetry plane and the positions of the points on the opposite side of the symmetry plane are mirrored to each other over a threshold value (e.g., ninety percent). For each group of symmetric point clouds, one point cloud is considered the source point cloud and the other point cloud is considered the mirror point cloud. The aforementioned mapping between point clouds and assembly components, together with the identified symmetric point clouds, is used to determine the corresponding source and mirror components. Specifically, the source point cloud represents the source component, and the mirror point cloud represents the mirror component, and the mapping is used to determine what point cloud represents what component.

[0035] At step 203 , embodiments of method 200 may mesh the source component using any technique known to one skilled in the art to generate a FEM representing the source component.

[0036] In addition, according to an embodiment, at step 204, the FEM representing the source component may be mirrored using techniques known in the art. For example, in an embodiment, a meshing tool is used to process the mesh data. In another embodiment, in order to perform the mirroring at step 204, a mesh element on one side of the plane to be mirrored may be selected and copied. Then, the coordinates of the copied mesh element may be transformed by reflecting the mesh element on the mirror plane, which involves changing the sign of the coordinates perpendicular to the mirror plane. After this transformation, the orientation of the mesh element, such as the face and volume, may be adjusted. This adjustment ensures that the element normals and node ordering are correct, maintains the consistency of the mesh, and prevents problems such as inverted normals or incorrect connections. At step 204, the method 200 generates a mirrored copy of the mesh, which is accurately reflected on the mirror plane, where the elements are correctly oriented to match the topology and geometry of the original mesh. In an embodiment of the method 200, the plane symmetry of the mirror plane may be required at step 204 to convert the right-handed coordinate system to the left-handed coordinate system, and vice versa if necessary. However, the left-handed coordinate system causes technical and theoretical challenges (e.g., there are no quaternions) and is not ideal. Therefore, in an embodiment, when mirroring is performed at step 204, each entity including mesh topology, material orientation, and beam orientation is transformed into a standard right-handed coordinate system. For illustration, in an embodiment, a FEM representing a source component (e.g., as generated at step 203) is modeled in a standard right-handed coordinate system. However, when a FEM representing a mirrored component is generated at step 204, the mirroring operation converts the right-handed coordinate system representing the FEM of the source component into a left-handed coordinate system representing the FEM of the mirrored component. Therefore, an embodiment converts a FEM representing a mirrored component in a left-handed coordinate system into a FEM representing a mirrored component in a right-handed coordinate system. In this way, such embodiments retain the intent of mirroring and avoid technical difficulties caused by a left-handed coordinate system.

[0037] By mirroring the FEM representing the source component, embodiments avoid the computational burden of meshing both the source component and the mirrored component.Thus, embodiments advantageously perform meshing once (eg, by using a meshing algorithm) and generate a FEM representing the mirrored component by mirroring the FEM representing the source component.

[0038] Still refer to Figure 2In some embodiments, at least one of meshing (step 203) and mirroring (step 204) is automatically performed in response to identifying the source component and the corresponding mirrored component at step 202. In other embodiments, at least one of meshing (step 203) and mirroring (step 204) is performed in response to user input. Among other examples, the user input may be any of: (i) an indication of a symmetry plane, (ii) an indication to perform obtaining (201), identifying (202), meshing (203), and mirroring (204), and (iii) an indication of a candidate source component. According to an embodiment, the source component is identified at step 202 using an indication of a candidate source component.

[0039] In an embodiment, method 200 may further include associating in memory a representation of a source component in a CAD model with a FEM representing the source component, and / or associating in memory a representation of a mirror component in a CAD model with a FEM representing the mirror component. According to an embodiment, these associations may include associations between CAD entities such as faces and entities such as FEMs representing nodes and edges of the faces. Embodiments of method 200 may utilize the associations to automatically modify the FEM representing the source component and the FEM representing the mirror component in response to modifying the representation of the source component in the CAD model. In addition, these embodiments may automatically modify the FEM representing the mirror component in response to modifying the FEM representing the source component.

[0040] Still further, embodiments of method 200 may rely on the aforementioned associations to perform simulations. In such embodiments, mirrored CAD elements are associated with mirrored FEM elements, e.g., indicated / linked in memory as corresponding, and similarly, source CAD components are linked / associated with elements in the FEM representing the source CAD components. These associations allow such embodiments to apply simulation features (e.g., loads, boundary conditions, constraints, properties, etc.) directly to elements of the FEM (e.g., mirrored FEM) that correspond to elements of the CAD component (e.g., mirrored CAD component). To implement such functionality, embodiments of method 200 receive (i) selected elements of a representation of a mirrored component in a CAD model, e.g., an indication of a CAD entity; and (ii) one or more simulation features (e.g., loads, boundary conditions, etc.) to be applied to the selected elements. Based on the association of the representation of the mirrored component in the CAD model with the FEM representing the mirrored component in memory, embodiments identify one or more elements of the FEM representing the mirrored component that correspond to the selected elements of the representation of the mirrored component in the CAD model. In addition, this embodiment may apply one or more simulation features to the identified one or more elements of the FEM representing the mirrored component, and perform the simulation using the FEM representing the mirrored component with the one or more features applied. In another embodiment, the association of the representation of the mirrored component in the CAD model in memory with the FEM representing the mirrored component may include linking in memory (i) the representation of the mirrored component in the CAD model with the representation of the source component in the CAD model, (ii) the representation of the source component in the CAD model with elements of the FEM representing the source component, and (iii) elements of the FEM representing the source component with elements of the FEM representing the mirrored component.

[0041] Figure 3 is used for example to use 3. The method 300 begins by identifying or otherwise obtaining a source CAD part 301 and a mirror plane 302. Next, a CAD mirror 305 is performed, for example using a CAD modeling tool, to create a mirrored CAD part 303 across the mirror plane 302. The CAD part 303 is a mirrored version of the CAD part 301. The mirror 305 produces a CAD assembly 304 that includes both the source part 301 and the mirrored part 303.

[0042] Figure 4 4 is a graphical illustration of a method 400 for automatically generating a FEM of a CAD assembly 304 using a mirror image 404 across a mirror plane 302 according to an embodiment. The method 400 begins by (1) Figure 34 and (2) a mirror plane 302 of a CAD assembly 304 including a source component 301 and a mirror component 303. Then, a FEM mirroring 404 is performed by first identifying the source component 301, for example based on a user input, and meshing the source component 301 to create a source FEM 401. Next, according to an embodiment, a mirroring process 404 automatically or in response to a user input mirrors the source FEM 401 across the mirror plane 302 to generate a mirrored FEM 402, thereby creating a FEM 403 of the assembly 304.

[0043] Figure 5 5 is a graphical illustration of a method 500 for automatically detecting a pair of mirrored components for FEM mirroring in a CAD assembly based on an identified mirror plane. In the method 500, first, source CAD components 501 and 502 are created / obtained. In an embodiment, the CAD components 501 and 502 are created by a user. Continuing, a mirror plane 503 is identified, and in response to identifying the mirror plane 503, mirrored CAD components 504 and 505 are automatically generated across the mirror plane 503.

[0044] Figure 6 is a graphical illustration of a method 600 of an embodiment for automatically generating a FEM of both a source component and a mirrored component in response to identifying a mirrored component. In the method 600, a source CAD component (from Figure 5 501 and 502), thereby producing a generated source component having FEMs 601 and 602. Then, a mirrored component (from Figure 5 504 and 505) to create a mirrored CAD part having generated mirrored FEMs 604 and 605, respectively.

[0045] Figure 7 700 is a graphical illustration of a method for generating a FEM based on a pre-existing FEM selected by a user. The method 700 embodiment begins with a source CAD component having generated source FEMs 701 and 702. Next, the user selects a pre-existing source component FEM 701 or 702, and then the selected source component FEM is mirrored across a mirror plane 503 to create a mirrored component FEM 704 or 705.

[0046] Figure 8800 is a graphical illustration of a method 800 for automatically and based on user input generating a FEM according to an embodiment. In the method 800, a user may select a source CAD component having a pre-existing source FEM 801, and the selected pre-existing source FEM 801 will be responsively mirrored across the mirror plane 503 to create a mirrored CAD component having a generated mirrored FEM 804. In addition, the method 800 may also automatically generate a FEM of a source CAD component 802, and additionally mirror the automatically generated FEM across the mirror plane 503 to create a mirrored CAD component having a generated FEM 805.

[0047] Fig. 9 904a, which is a graphical illustration of a method for implementing changes to a FEM, according to an embodiment. The method 900 begins at step 901 with a source FEM 902a and a mirrored FEM 904a, which is mirrored across a mirror plane 903. In the method 900, the FEM 902a is associated with the FEM 904a, i.e., linked / mapped together in memory, so that changes to one of the FEMs, e.g., 902a / 904a, are made in the other FEM 902a / 904. Continuing, at step 903, the FEM 902b is modified 906a, e.g., by a user, and responsively, this change is made 906b across the mirror plane 903 to create a modified FEM 904b. In this way, a FEM, e.g., a mirrored FEM 904a, is associated with the modifications made to its corresponding source FEM 902a, or vice versa. Additionally, embodiments may also link a CAD part with a FEM such that in response to a change to the CAD part, the FEM representing the CAD part is automatically updated, and in response, any linked mirrored FEMs are also updated.

[0048] Embodiments provide users with substantial benefits for automating the modeling of mirrored FEMs in assemblies. Embodiments provide improvements in data models, process efficiency, and performance. For example, embodiments allow for increased productivity. In many simulation workflows, about 40% of the global time is spent building finite element models. For example, users spend a lot of time fine-tuning the mesh, which represents about 90 hours for a typical automotive body-in-white model made of about 300 parts. By employing the automatic FEM mirroring functionality described herein, embodiments provide substantial time savings.

[0049] Mirrored FEM also allows simplification. When implementing the use of mirrored FEM generation, embodiments utilize the capabilities of modeling and simulation (MODSIM) technology to perform mirrored component detection, and therefore eliminate the need to mark components as symmetrical to other components. Embodiments can automatically establish links between source components and mirrored components, allowing fast navigation. Embodiments also provide robust modeling. The generated FEM can be fully associated with the source FEM, automatically reflecting changes made to the original model. This allows simulations to require less computing power, thereby making the process more efficient. Utilizing these embodiments also allows numerical consistency. The FEM mirroring process ensures an accurately symmetrical model, providing better force flow for crashworthiness simulations.

[0050] Among other advantages, by efficiently creating FEMs, embodiments can be used for manufacturing and optimization workflows to determine optimized designs of real-world objects such as cars, which are then manufactured according to the determined optimized designs. Automated FEM generation greatly accelerates the meshing process (the process of creating FEMs, i.e., meshes), and also allows embodiments to integrate rule-based meshing techniques into embodiments. Specifically, the mesh generation described herein can be implemented according to defined rules / parameters, such as meshing with a grid size of 5 mm and secondary triangles. Automated FEM generation also improves accessibility (no interactive application is required). Embodiments can also work with assemblies to automatically create FEM assemblies. Another advantage of using embodiments to automatically generate FEMs is the ability to mesh multiple products without loading all data that may be associated with the geometry and FEM into computer memory. Assemblies typically contain hundreds of geometries representing components. From a software perspective, loading geometries involves retrieving all relevant data, which can consume a lot of memory and resources. The mirroring process embodiments described herein work without completely loading all data, which allows mirrored components to be identified with 'basic loading'. The automated FEM methods described herein can be used with individual products or assemblies and can be used to create assembled FEMs and mesh assemblies made from sub-products with three-dimensional (3D) shape representations. Embodiments can also run programs to optimize geometry before meshing and complete other tasks on the product (e.g., changing geometry from a thin solid to a surface).

[0051] Using an embodiment, once the symmetry plane is defined, symmetrical components can be automatically detected and their FEMs completely mirrored within seconds.

[0052] In addition, the accelerated and automated mesh generation process also allows embodiments to accelerate optimization methods and manufacture and create real-world objects more quickly. To illustrate, during an optimization study, the FEM is modified, and typically, the modified FEM reaches a point where it can be used for a longer period of time, and a new FEM must be created. By utilizing embodiments, new FEMs can be generated more quickly, which ultimately leads to faster completion of optimization studies, determination of optimized designs, and manufacture of real-world objects, such as vehicles, having optimized designs. Thus, embodiments can be used in manufacturing processes for manufacturing real-world objects. In addition, embodiments can begin with measuring or obtaining data about real-world objects and creating a CAD model representing the real-world object. This CAD model can then be used in embodiments to determine improvements to the real-world object and manufacture an improved version of the real-world object, such as a version that meets new physical behavior requirements.

[0053] Computer Support

[0054] Fig.10 A computer network or similar digital processing environment is shown in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0055] The client computers / devices 50 and server computers 60 provide processing, storage, and input / output devices for executing application programs, etc. The client computers / devices 50 may also be linked to other computing devices, including other client devices / processors 50 and server computers 60, via a communications network 70. The communications network 70 may be a remote access network, a global network (e.g., the Internet), a worldwide collection of computers, a local area network or a wide area network, and a plurality of network protocols currently used (TCP / IP, Other electronic device / computer network architectures are suitable.

[0056] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 8 is a diagram of an exemplary internal structure of a computer (e.g., a client processor / device 50 or a server computer 60) in a computer system of FIG. 8. Each computer 50, 60 includes a system bus 79, where a bus is a set of hardware lines used for data transfer between components of a computer or processing system. The system bus 79 is essentially a shared pipe that connects the different elements of the computer system (e.g., processor, disk storage devices, memory, input / output ports, network ports, etc.) so that information can be transferred between the elements. An I / O device interface 82 is attached to the system bus 79 to connect various input and output devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, display, printer, speakers, etc.) to the computer 50, 60. A network interface 86 allows the computer to connect to a network attached to a network (e.g., Fig.10The memory 90 provides volatile storage for computer software instructions 92A and data 94a for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The computer software instructions may implement the operations of the methods 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 and / or 900 described in detail above. The disk storage device 95 provides non-volatile storage for computer software instructions 92B and data 94b for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The computer software instructions may implement the operations of the methods 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 and / or 900 described in detail above. The central processor unit 84 is also attached to the system bus 79 and provides execution of computer instructions.

[0057] In one embodiment, the processor routines 92A to 92B and data 94a to 94b are computer program products (generally referred to as 92) that include a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a removable storage medium, such as one or more DVD-ROMs, CD-ROMs, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, etc.) that provides at least a portion of the software instructions for the embodiment. The computer program product 92 can be installed by any suitable software installation program known in the art. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the software instructions can also be downloaded via cable communication and / or wireless connection. In other embodiments, the program of the present invention is a computer program propagation signal product embodied in a propagation medium (e.g., radio waves, infrared waves, laser waves, sound waves, or radio waves propagated through a global network such as the Internet or one or more other networks). Such carrier media or signals can be used to provide at least a portion of the software instructions for the routines / programs 92A to 92B of the present invention.

[0058] Embodiments or aspects thereof may be implemented in the form of hardware, firmware, or software. If implemented in software, the software may be stored on any non-transitory computer-readable medium that is configured to enable a processor to load the software or a subset of its instructions. The processor then executes the instructions and is configured to operate or cause the device to operate in the manner described herein.

[0059] Further, firmware, software, routines or instructions may be described herein as performing certain actions and / or functions of a data processor. However, it should be understood that such descriptions included herein are only for convenience and such actions are actually caused by a computing device, processor, controller or other device that executes the firmware, software, routines, instructions.

[0060] It should be understood that flow charts, block diagrams, and network diagrams may include more or fewer elements, be arranged in different ways, or be presented in different ways. However, it should be further understood that certain embodiments may indicate block diagrams and network diagrams and the number of block diagrams and network diagrams that illustrate the execution of an embodiment implemented in a particular manner.

[0061] Thus, additional embodiments may also be implemented in a variety of computer architectures, physical, virtual, cloud computers, and / or some combination thereof, and thus, the data processors described herein are intended only to illustrate and not limit the embodiments.

[0062] While example embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the embodiments as covered by the appended claims.

[0063] For example, the foregoing description and details of the embodiments in the Figures refer to applicant-assignee (Dassault Systèmes Simulation) and Dassault Systèmes, tools and platforms for purposes of illustration and not limitation. Other similar tools and platforms are suitable.

[0064] The teachings of all patents, published applications, and references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for generating a finite element model (FEM), the method comprising: obtaining in a memory of the processor: (i) a computer-aided design (CAD) model representing an assembly of components, and (ii) an indication of a plane of symmetry within the CAD model; identifying a source component and a corresponding mirrored component from among the assembly of components, wherein the source component and the mirrored component are identified using the obtained CAD model and the indication of the symmetry plane; meshing the source component to generate a FEM representing the source component; as well as The FEM representing the source component is mirrored to generate a FEM representing the mirrored component. 2 . The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the meshing and the mirroring is performed automatically in response to the identifying of the source component and the corresponding mirrored component. 3 . The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the meshing and the mirroring is performed in response to user input.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein the user input is at least one of: said indication of said plane of symmetry; instructions for performing said obtaining, said identifying, said meshing and said mirroring; and An indication of a candidate source part.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein identifying the source component comprises: The source component is identified using the indication of the candidate source component.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising at least one of: associating in the memory a representation of the source component in the CAD model with the FEM representing the source component; and A representation of the mirrored component in the CAD model is associated in the memory with the FEM representing the mirrored component.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, further comprising: In response to modifying the representation of the source component in the CAD model, the FEM representing the source component and the FEM representing the mirrored component are automatically modified.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, further comprising: In response to modifying the FEM representing the source component, the FEM representing the mirrored component is automatically modified.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, further comprising: receiving (i) an indication of a selected element of the representation of the mirrored part in the CAD model and (ii) an indication of one or more simulation features to be applied to the selected element; identifying one or more elements of the FEM representing the mirrored component that correspond to the selected elements of the representation of the mirrored component in the CAD model based on the association in the memory of the representation of the mirrored component in the CAD model and the FEM representing the mirrored component; applying the one or more simulation features to the identified one or more elements of the FEM representing the mirrored component; as well as A simulation is performed using the FEM representing the mirrored component while applying the one or more features.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein associating in the memory the representation of the mirrored component in the CAD model with the FEM representing the mirrored component comprises: linking in the memory (i) the representation of the mirrored component in the CAD model with (ii) the representation of the source component in the CAD model; linking in the memory (i) the representation of the source component in the CAD model with (ii) elements of the FEM representing the source component; as well as (i) the elements of the FEM representing the source component and (ii) the elements of the FEM representing the mirror component are linked in the memory.

11. A system for generating a finite element model (FEM), the system comprising: processor; as well as a memory having computer code instructions stored thereon, the processor and the memory having the computer code instructions being configured to cause the system to: obtaining in the memory: (i) a computer-aided design (CAD) model representing an assembly of components, and (ii) an indication of a plane of symmetry within the CAD model; identifying a source component and a corresponding mirrored component from among the assembly of components, wherein the source component and the mirrored component are identified using the obtained CAD model and the indication of the symmetry plane; meshing the source component to generate a FEM representing the source component; as well as The FEM representing the source component is mirrored to generate a FEM representing the mirrored component.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one of the meshing and the mirroring is performed automatically in response to the identification of the source component and the corresponding mirrored component.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one of the meshing and the mirroring is performed in response to user input.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the user input is at least one of: the indication of the symmetry plane; an indication to perform the obtaining, the identifying, the meshing, and the mirroring; and an indication of a candidate source component, and wherein upon identifying the source component, the processor and the memory with the computer code instructions cause the system to: The source component is identified using the indication of the candidate source component.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein the processor and the memory having the computer code instructions stored thereon are further configured to cause the system to perform at least one of: associating in the memory a representation of the source component in the CAD model with the FEM representing the source component; and A representation of the mirrored component in the CAD model is associated in the memory with the FEM representing the mirrored component.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the processor and the memory having the computer code instructions stored thereon are further configured to cause the system to: In response to modifying the representation of the source component in the CAD model, the FEM representing the source component and the FEM representing the mirrored component are automatically modified.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the processor and the memory having the computer code instructions stored thereon are further configured to cause the system to: In response to modifying the FEM representing the source component, the FEM representing the mirrored component is automatically modified.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the processor and the memory having the computer code instructions stored thereon are further configured to cause the system to: receiving (i) an indication of a selected element of the representation of the mirrored part in the CAD model and (ii) an indication of one or more simulation features to be applied to the selected element; identifying one or more elements of the FEM representing the mirrored component that correspond to the selected elements of the representation of the mirrored component in the CAD model based on the association in the memory of the representation of the mirrored component in the CAD model and the FEM representing the mirrored component; applying the one or more simulation features to the identified one or more elements of the FEM representing the mirrored component; as well as A simulation is performed using the FEM representing the mirrored component while applying the one or more features.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein when associating in the memory the representation of the mirrored component in the CAD model with the FEM representing the mirrored component, the processor and the memory having the computer code instructions cause the system to: linking in the memory (i) the representation of the mirrored component in the CAD model with (ii) the representation of the source component in the CAD model; linking in the memory (i) the representation of the source component in the CAD model with (ii) elements of the FEM representing the source component; as well as (i) the elements of the FEM representing the source component and (ii) the elements of the FEM representing the mirror component are linked in the memory.

20. A computer program product for generating a finite element model (FEM), the computer program product comprising: one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage devices and program instructions stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices that, when loaded and executed by a processor, cause an apparatus associated with the processor to: Obtaining in a memory: (i) a computer-aided design (CAD) model representing the assembly of components, and (ii) an indication of a plane of symmetry within the CAD model; identifying a source component and a corresponding mirrored component from among the assembly of components, wherein the source component and the mirrored component are identified using the obtained CAD model and the indication of the symmetry plane; meshing the source component to generate a FEM representing the source component; as well as The FEM representing the source component is mirrored to generate a FEM representing the mirrored component.

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