Mirrored finite element mesh generation

Abstract

To provide, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a function for generating a finite element model (FEM).SOLUTION: The present invention is directed to a function for generating a finite element model (FEM) through an embodiment thereof. According to the present invention, the process starts from acquirement of a computer aided design (CAD) model representing an assembly of components and instructions to a symmetrical surface in the CAD model. Among the assembly of the components, a source component and a corresponding mirror component are identified with use of the acquired CAD model and the acquired instructions to the symmetrical surface. Subsequently, the source component is subjected to meshing to generate a FEM indicating the source component. The FEM representing the source component is subjected to mirroring to generate the FEM representing the mirror component. Thus, mirroring is carried out.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to mirror finite element mesh generation.

Background Art

[0002] For the design of parts using computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided engineering (CAE), many systems and programs are available on the market. These so-called CAD systems enable users to construct and manipulate complex three-dimensional models of objects or assemblies of objects. Therefore, CAD systems provide a representation of the modeled object using edges or lines, or in certain cases, faces or polygons. The lines, edges, faces, or polygons can be represented in various forms, such as non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS).

[0003] These CAD systems mainly manage parts or assemblies of parts modeled by objects, which are mainly geometric shape specifications. In particular, CAD files contain specifications for generating geometric shapes. Representations are generated from the geometry. The specifications, geometry, and representations may be stored in a single CAD file or multiple CAD files. CAD systems include graphic tools for designers to represent modeled objects, and these tools are dedicated to the instructions of complex objects. For example, an assembly can contain thousands of parts. The CAD system can be used to manage the model of the object saved in an electronic file.

[0004] The emergence of CAD systems and CAE systems enables a wide range of representation possibilities for objects. One such representation is the finite element model (FEM). FEM, or other CAD, CAE, or computer-based models, may be programmed to have the characteristics of the underlying object that the model represents. When an FEM model or other such computer-based model is programmed in such a way, it can be used to perform simulations of the object that the model represents. For example, FEM can be used to represent internal cavities of vehicles, acoustic fluids surrounding structures, 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, an FEM representing a stent may be used to simulate the use of the stent in an actual medical setting.

[0005] For example, computer-based models such as FEM can be used to improve the design of the object that the model represents. Improvements in the design can be identified by using computer-based optimization techniques that perform a series of simulations to identify changes to the model's design and, by extension, to the real-world object that the model represents. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The use of computer-based models is common, for example, in optimization methods for improving the design of real-world objects represented by the models, but existing computer-based modeling techniques can benefit from improvements. Embodiments provide improvements to such functionality, namely, existing methods for generating a finite element model (FEM). Embodiments provide substantial benefits to users by automating the generation of FEMs, for example, FEMs representing large assemblies such as airplanes and automobiles. Embodiments provide improvements in data modeling and process efficiency, providing performance and time savings.

[0007] An exemplary embodiment is directed to a computer-implemented method for generating a FEM. The method starts with a processor obtaining, in the memory of the processor, a CAD model representing an assembly of parts and an indication of a symmetry plane within the CAD model. From the assembly of parts, the processor identifies a source part and a corresponding mirror part, where the source part and the mirror part are identified using the obtained CAD model and the indication of the symmetry plane. To continue, the processor meshes the source part to generate a FEM representing the source part and mirrors the FEM representing the source part to generate a FEM representing the mirror part.

[0008] In one embodiment, at least one of the meshing and mirroring is automatically performed in response to identifying the source part and the corresponding mirror part.

[0009] In another embodiment, at least one of the meshing and mirroring is performed in response to a user input. According to one embodiment, the user input is at least one of an indication of the symmetry plane, an indication to obtain, identify, mesh, and mirror, and an indication of a candidate source part. In another embodiment, the step of identifying the source part includes the step of identifying the source part using an indication of a candidate source part.

[0010] Another embodiment includes at least one of: (1) associating, in a memory, a source component in a CAD model and a FEM representation of the source component; and (2) associating, in a memory, a mirror component in the CAD model and a FEM representation of the mirror component. In yet another embodiment, in response to a change in the representation of the source component in the CAD model, the method automatically changes the FEM representing the source component and the FEM representing the mirror component. In another embodiment, in response to a change in the FEM representing the source component, the method automatically changes the FEM representing the mirror component. Another embodiment includes: (1) selecting elements of the representation of the mirror component in the CAD model; and (2) receiving an indication of one or more simulation features to apply to the selected elements. Based on the step of associating, in a memory, the mirror component in the CAD model and the FEM representation of the mirror component, the embodiment identifies one or more elements of the FEM representing the mirror component corresponding to the selected elements in the indication 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 a further embodiment, the step of associating, in a memory, the representation of the mirror component in the CAD model and the FEM representing the mirror component includes linking, in the memory: (1) the representation of the mirror component in the CAD model and the representation of the source component in the CAD model; (2) the representation of the source component in the CAD model and the elements of the FEM representing the source component; and (3) the elements of the FEM representing the source component and the elements of the FEM representing the mirror component.

[0011] 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 therein. The processor and the memory are configured to cause the system to implement any of the embodiments or combinations of embodiments described herein using the computer code instructions.

[0012] 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 in at least one of the one or more storage devices. In such embodiments, when the program instructions are loaded and executed by a processor, the processor causes the device associated with the processor to perform the method of any of the embodiments or combination of embodiments described herein.

[0013] Note that embodiments of the present method, system, and computer program product may be configured to implement any of the embodiments or combination of embodiments described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The foregoing will become apparent from the following more particular description of exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodiments.

[0015]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The description of the exemplary embodiments will be set forth below.

[0017] Embodiments provide innovative and time - efficient methods and systems for the automatic, comprehensive, and associated generation of simulation models, such as finite element models, for assemblies, e.g., symmetric components within a wide - ranging assembly.

[0018] Computer-based design users are seeking ways to streamline operations and ultimately minimize the time to market of real-world objects that are designed and optimized using CAD methods / techniques. In various industries such as automotive and aerospace, more than 20% of the parts within CAD assemblies representing real-world objects being designed, such as automobiles and aircraft, are symmetric. Embodiments utilize this symmetry to improve the efficiency of modeling real-world objects. Specifically, embodiments provide an improved method and system for generating a FEM. Embodiments implement a solution that can quickly replicate half of a symmetric mesh of a model when the other half of the symmetric mesh is modeled.

[0019] Figure 1 is a graphical representation of a method 100 for generating a mirrored FEM of identified components according to one embodiment. Method 100 starts with the step of obtaining a CAD assembly model 104 at step 101. At step 102, interactive options are presented to the user, for example, via graphical user interfaces 105a - b, enabling the user to customize the operation of the FEM mirroring method 100. These options may include selecting the components of the model to be mirrored (105b) and selecting what to do with the selected components (105a), i.e., creating components mirrored across a symmetry plane. For example, in one embodiment, the user interface 105b is a primary user interface that enables the user to (1) select the model to be mirrored, e.g., the domain components of 104, (2) execute the FEM generation process 100, (3) execute method 100 in a parallel batch process, and (4) review the detected mirrored components. Further, according to one embodiment, the user interface 105a is a sub - user interface derived from the settings within the user interface 105b. Among other examples, the user interface 105a enables the user to customize whether mirror FEM generation is required. Further, if FEM generation is required, the user interface 105a enables the user to customize the mirror plane based on the user's selection in the mirror plane field. In the example illustrated in Figure 1, the interface 105b includes highlighted elements 107a - b showing the content for the user to review, for example, to review the detected mirror pairs. The rows of the interface 105b, e.g., 108, enumerate the mirrored content identified with respect to the source components. Further, at step 102, the user may identify the mirror plane or indicate symmetric components across the mirror plane of the model 104 (obtained at step 101). As used herein, "symmetric components" may be used to refer to components across a mirror plane that are substantially symmetric, e.g., 98% symmetric across the mirror plane.To continue, in step 103, one or more FEMs of the symmetric parts, e.g., 106a - b (which can be automatically identified or identified based on user input), are generated.

[0020] An embodiment of method 100 can be implemented in CAE software such as 3DEXPERIENCE® provided by Dassault Systemes Americas Corporation, which is, for example, the applicant of this application and the assignee of the present invention. In such embodiments, for example, the interface presented in step 102 can be provided using functions within 3DEXPERIENCE®.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of method 200 for generating a finite element model according to one embodiment. Method 200 starts in step 201 by obtaining, in the memory of a processor (implementing the method), (1) a CAD model representing an assembly of parts, and (2) an indication of a symmetry plane within the CAD model. To continue, in step 202, a source part and a corresponding mirror part are identified from among the parts of the assembly. The source part and the mirror part are identified in step 202 using the obtained CAD model and the indication of the symmetry plane. Next, in step 203, the source part is meshed to generate an FEM representing the source part. Thereafter, in step 204, the FEM representing the source part is mirrored to generate an FEM representing the mirror part. In embodiments of method 200, the generated FEMs can be, among other examples, solid meshes, surface meshes, and beam meshes for multiple bodies.

[0022] As described above, method 200 is computer-implemented, and thus the functions and effective operations, such as the steps of obtaining (201), identifying (202), meshing (203), and mirroring (204), are automatically implemented by one or more digital processors. Further, method 200 can be implemented using any computer device or combination of computing devices known in the art. Among other embodiments, in particular, method 200 can be implemented using computer / device 50 and / or 60 described hereinbelow in connection with FIGS. 10 and 11. Additionally, method 200 and the embodiments described herein may be implemented in existing computer-based design software. For example, an exemplary embodiment can be implemented in 3DEXPERIENCE® R2024x provided by applicant-assignee Dassault Systemes Americas Corporation. In such embodiments, the 3DEXPERIENCE® model assembly design application is enhanced using embodiments to provide a powerful tool for mirroring FEM.

[0023] Embodiments of method 200 can generate FEM using geometric shapes from any number of sources. Method 200 is computer-implemented, and thus the CAD model can be communicatively coupled to the computing device implementing method 200 or obtained in step 201 from any point that can be communicatively coupled, such as data storage. Further, the model obtained in step 201 can include, among other embodiments, any of (1) part bodies, (2) solid bodies, (3) geometric shapes from an ordered geometric set.

[0024] Further, in step 201, the indication of the symmetry plane within the CAD model may be obtained using any technique that has the ability to communicate, i.e., indicate, the symmetry plane to the 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 programming application interface (API) available to the user, e.g., via a component application architecture (CAA) or a script API. In another embodiment, the indication of the symmetry plane is obtained by receiving the coordinates of the symmetry plane with respect to the coordinate system of the acquired CAD model in response to user input.

[0025] In step 202, an embodiment of method 200 may automatically identify a source part and a mirror part using the acquired CAD model and the indication of the symmetry plane. According to one such embodiment, the source part and the mirror part are first determined in step 202 by generating a respective point cloud representing each part for each part of the assembly of parts (or a subset thereof). Further, a mapping between the point cloud and the part is also created to ultimately determine the source part and the mirror part. Next, the generated respective point clouds representing parts on the first side of the symmetry plane and the generated respective point clouds representing parts on the second side of the symmetry plane are compared to identify symmetric point clouds. In one embodiment, comparing the point clouds includes comparing the positions of points within the point cloud on the first side of the symmetry plane with the positions of points within the point cloud on the opposite side of the symmetry plane. In such an embodiment, the point clouds are considered to be symmetric with each other with respect to a threshold, e.g., exceeding 90 percent, where the position of a point within the point cloud on the first side of the symmetry mirror plane and the position of the point on the opposite side of the symmetry plane. For each grouping 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 the point cloud and the parts of the assembly is used with the identified symmetric point clouds to determine the corresponding source part and mirror part. Specifically, the source point cloud represents the source part, the mirror point cloud represents the mirror part, and the mapping is used to determine which point cloud represents which part.

[0026] In step 203, an embodiment of method 200 may mesh the source component using any technique known to those skilled in the art to generate a FEM representing the source component.

[0027] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, in step 204, the FEM representing the source component may be mirrored using techniques known in the art. For example, in one embodiment, a mesh tool is used to handle the mesh data. In another embodiment, to perform the mirroring in step 204, the mesh elements on one side of the desired mirror plane may be selected and replicated. Next, the coordinates of the double mesh elements may be transformed by reflecting them across the mirror plane, involving changing the sign of the coordinates perpendicular to the mirror plane. After this transformation, the orientation of the mesh elements such as faces and volumes may be adjusted. This adjustment ensures that the element normality and node order are correct, maintains the consistency of the mesh, and prevents problems such as inverted normality or inaccurate connections. In step 204, method 200 creates a mirrored copy of the mesh with elements that are accurately reflected across the mirror plane and correctly oriented to match the topology and geometry of the original mesh. In an embodiment of method 200, in step 204, the plane symmetry of the mirror plane may be required to convert the right-handed coordinate system to the left-handed coordinate system, and vice versa if necessary. However, the left-handed coordinate system presents technical and theoretical challenges (e.g., no quadrants) and is not ideal. As a result, in one embodiment, each entity including the mesh topology, material orientation, and beam orientation is converted to the standard right-handed system when performing the mirroring in step 204. By way of illustration, in one embodiment, the FEM representing the source component (e.g., as generated in step 203) is modeled in the standard right-handed coordinate system. However, when the FEM representing the mirror component is generated in step 204, the mirroring operation converts the right-handed coordinate system of the FEM representing the source component to the left-handed coordinate system of the FEM representing the mirror component. Thus, one embodiment converts the FEM representing the mirror component in the left-handed coordinate system to the FEM representing the mirror component in the right-handed coordinate system. In this way, such embodiments retain the intent of the mirroring and avoid the technical difficulties caused by the left-handed coordinate system.

[0028] By mirroring the FEM representing the source component, the embodiments avoid the computational burden of meshing both the source component and the mirror component. Thus, the embodiments advantageously perform meshing once (e.g., using a mesh algorithm) and generate the FEM representing the mirror component by mirroring the FEM representing the source component.

[0029] Referring further to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, at least one of meshing (step 203) and mirroring (step 204) is automatically performed in response to the source component and the corresponding mirror component identified in 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 one of (1) an indication of a symmetry plane, (2) an instruction to perform the obtaining step (201), the identifying step (202), the meshing step (203), and the mirroring step (204), and (3) an indication of a candidate source component. According to one embodiment, the source component is identified in step 202 using the indication of the candidate source component.

[0030] In embodiments, method 200 may further include associating, in memory, the source component in the CAD model with the FEM representation of the source component and / or associating, in memory, the mirror component in the CAD model with the FEM representation of the mirror component. According to one embodiment, these associations may include associations between CAD entities, e.g., faces, and FEM entities, e.g., nodes and edges representing the faces. Embodiments of method 200 may utilize the associations to automatically change the FEM representing the source component and the FEM representing the mirror component in response to a change in the representation of the source component in the CAD model. Further, such embodiments may automatically change the FEM representing the mirror component in response to a change in the FEM representing the source component.

[0031] Furthermore, embodiments of method 200 may rely on the aforementioned associations to perform a simulation. In such embodiments, mirror CAD elements and mirror FEM elements are, for example, shown / linked in memory as corresponding, and similarly, source CAD components and elements within the FEM representing the source CAD part are linked / associated. These associations enable such embodiments to apply simulation features (such as loads, boundary conditions, constraints, properties, etc.) directly onto the elements of the FEM (such as the mirror FEM) corresponding to the elements of the CAD part (such as the mirror CAD part). To perform such a function, embodiments of method 200 receive (1) a selected element, such as a CAD entity, of the representation of the mirror part within the CAD model, and (2) an indication of one or more simulation features (such as loads, boundary conditions, etc.) to apply to the selected element. Based on associating in memory the representation of the mirror part within the CAD model and the representation of the FEM representing the mirror part, the embodiment identifies one or more elements of the FEM representing the mirror part corresponding to the selected element in the indication of the mirror part within the CAD model. Further, this embodiment may apply one or more simulation features to the identified one or more elements of the FEM representing the mirror part and perform a simulation using the FEM representing the mirror part with the one or more features applied. In further embodiments, associating the representation of the mirror part within the CAD model with the FEM representing the mirror part in memory may include linking, in memory, (1) the representation of the mirror part and the representation of the source part in the CAD model, (2) the representation of the source part in the CAD model and the elements of the FEM representing the source part, and (3) the elements of the FEM representing the source part and the elements of the FEM representing the mirror part.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a graphic of a method 300 for creating a CAD part using a CAD modeling tool, such as 3DEXPERIENCE (registered trademark), across a mirror plane. Method 300 begins with identifying or otherwise obtaining a source CAD part 301 and a mirror plane 302. Next, CAD mirroring 305 is performed using, for example, a CAD modeling tool to create a mirrored CAD part 303 across the mirror plane 302. CAD part 303 is a mirrored version of CAD part 301. Mirroring 305 results in a CAD assembly 304 that includes both the source part 301 and the mirrored part 303.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a graphic of a method 400 for automatically generating the FEM of a CAD assembly 304 using mirroring 404 across a mirror plane 302, according to one embodiment. Method 400 begins with (1) the CAD assembly 304 from FIG. 3, which includes a source part 301 and a mirrored part 303, and (2) a mirror plane 302. Next, FEM mirroring 404 is performed by first identifying, for example, based on user input, the source part 301 and meshing the source part 301 to create a source FEM 401. Next, automatically or in response to user input according to the embodiment, the mirroring process 404 mirrors the source FEM 401 across the mirror plane 302 to generate a mirrored FEM 402, and thus generates the FEM 403 of the assembly 304.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a graphic of a method 500 for automatically detecting pairs of mirrored parts within a CAD assembly for FEM mirroring, based on an identified mirror plane. In method 500, first, source CAD parts 501 and 502 are created / obtained. In one embodiment, CAD parts 501 and 502 are created by a user. To proceed, a mirror plane 503 is identified, and in response to the identification of the mirror plane 503, mirrored CAD parts 504 and 505 are automatically generated across the mirror plane 503.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a graphic diagram of a method 600 of an embodiment for automatically generating FEMs for both source parts and mirror parts in response to identifying the mirror parts. In method 600, source CAD parts (501 and 502 from FIG. 5) are meshed, resulting in generated source parts having FEMs 601 and 602. Next, each FEM of the mirror parts (504 and 505 from FIG. 5) is generated by mirroring source FEMs 601 and 602 across mirror plane 503 to create mirror CAD parts having generated mirror FEMs 604 and 605, respectively.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a graphic diagram of a method 700 for generating FEMs based on a user - selected existing FEM. An embodiment of method 700 begins with source CAD parts having generated source FEMs 701 and 702. Next, the user selects an existing source part FEM 701 or 702, and then the selected source part FEM is mirrored across mirror plane 503 to create a mirror part FEM 704 or 705.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a graphic diagram of a method 800 for automatically generating FEMs based on user input according to an embodiment. In method 800, the user may select a source CAD part having an existing source FEM 801, and the selected existing source FEM 801 is responsive - ly mirrored across mirror plane 503 to create a mirror CAD part having a generated mirror FEM 804. Further, method 800 may also automatically generate the FEM of source CAD part 802 and additionally form a mirror that automatically generates an FEM across mirror plane 503 to generate a mirror CAD part having a generated FEM 805.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a graphic of a method for implementing changes to a FEM according to one embodiment. Method 900 begins, in step 901, with source FEM 902a and mirror FEM 904a (which is mirrored across mirror plane 903). In method 900, FEMs 902a and 904a are associated together, i.e., linked / mapped, in memory such that a change to one of the FEMs, e.g., 902a / 904a, is implemented in the other FEM 902a / 904. To continue, in step 903, FEM 902b is changed, e.g., by a user to 906a, and in response, this change is executed across mirror plane 903 to 906b, creating a changed FEM 904b. In this way, a FEM, e.g., mirror FEM 904a, is associated with the changes made to its corresponding source FEM 902a, or vice versa. Further, embodiments may also link CAD parts and FEMs such that, in response to changes in the CAD part, the FEM representing the CAD part is automatically updated and, in response, any linked mirror FEMs are also updated.

[0039] Embodiments provide substantial benefits to users in automating the modeling of mirror FEMs within an assembly. Embodiments provide improvements to data models, process efficiency, and performance. For example, embodiments enable improved productivity. In many simulation workflows, approximately 40% of the time worldwide is spent building finite element models. For example, users spend a significant amount of time fine-tuning the mesh, which represents approximately 90 hours for a typical automotive body-in-white model made of approximately 300 parts. By using the automatic FEM mirroring functionality described herein, embodiments provide significant time savings.

[0040] Mirroring the FEM also enables simplification. Implementing the use of mirror FEM generation, embodiments utilize the capabilities of modeling and simulation (MODSIM) techniques for mirror part detection, thus eliminating the need to tag parts as being symmetric to other parts. Embodiments can automatically establish links between source parts and mirror parts, enabling rapid navigation. Embodiments also provide robust modeling. The generated FEM can be fully associated with the source FEM, automatically reflecting changes added to the original model. This reduces the computational power required for simulation, thereby making the process more efficient. Utilizing these embodiments also enables numerical consistency. The FEM mirroring process ensures an exactly symmetric model and provides a better force flow for crashworthiness simulations.

[0041] Among other advantages, by efficiently generating the FEM, embodiments may be used in manufacturing and optimization workflows for determining an optimized design of a real-world object, such as an automobile, which is then manufactured according to the determined optimized design. Automating FEM generation significantly accelerates the meshing process (FEM, i.e., the process of generating a mesh), and also enables embodiments to integrate rule-based meshing techniques into the embodiments. Specifically, the mesh generation described herein may be performed according to defined rules / parameters, such as meshing with quadrilateral triangles at a mesh size of 5 mm. Automating FEM generation also improves accessibility (no interactive applications are required). Embodiments can also function with an assembly to automatically create an FEM assembly. Another advantage of automatically generating the FEM using embodiments is the ability to mesh multiple products without having to load into computer memory all of the geometric shapes and any data that may be associated with the FEM. An assembly typically includes hundreds of geometric shapes representing parts. From a software perspective, loading geometric shapes involves obtaining all of the associated data, which can consume significant memory and resources. Embodiments of the mirroring process described herein function without fully loading all of the data that enables mirror parts to be identified with "basic loading". The automated FEM method described herein can be used with individual products or assemblies to create an assembled FEM and can be used to mesh an assembly produced as a by-product into a three-dimensional (3D) shape representation. Embodiments can also perform procedures for optimizing geometric shapes and completing other tasks on the product prior to meshing (e.g., changing a geometric shape from a thin solid to a surface).

[0042] Using embodiments, when a symmetry plane is defined, symmetric parts can be automatically detected and their FEMs are fully mirrored within seconds.

[0043] Furthermore, the acceleration and automation of the mesh generation process also enable embodiments to accelerate the optimization method and more quickly manufacture and generate real-world objects. By way of illustration, during an optimization study the FEM is changed and, often, the changed FEM reaches a point where they can be made longer and a new FEM has to be created. By utilizing embodiments, a new FEM can be generated more quickly, which ultimately leads to completing the optimization study more quickly, determining an optimized design, and manufacturing a real-world object, such as a vehicle, with the optimized design. Thus, embodiments can be used in a manufacturing process for manufacturing real-world objects. Further, embodiments can be initiated by measuring or obtaining data regarding a real-world object and creating a CAD model representing the real-world object. This CAD model can then be used in an embodiment to determine improvements to the real-world object and manufacture an improved version of the real-world object, e.g., a version that meets new physical behavior requirements.

[0044] [Computer support] FIG. 10 shows a computer network or similar digital processing environment in which embodiments of the present invention can be implemented.

[0045] Client computer / device 50 and server computer 60 provide processing, storage, and input / output devices for executing application programs and the like. Client computer / device 50 can also be linked via communication network 70 to other computing devices, including other client devices / processes 50 and server computer 60. Communication network 70 can be a remote access network, a global network (e.g., the Internet), a collection of computers worldwide, a local area or wide area network, and part of a gateway that communicates with each other using current respective protocols (TCP / IP, Bluetooth®, etc.). Other electronic device / computer network architectures are also suitable.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a diagram of an example of the internal structure of a computer (e.g., client processor / device 50 or server computer 60) within the computer system of FIG. 10. Each computer 50, 60 includes a system bus 79, which is a set of hardware lines used for data transfer between components of a computer or processing system. The system bus 79 essentially connects various components of the computer system (processor, disk storage, memory, input / output ports, network ports, etc.) and enables information transfer between the components. Connected to the system bus 79 is an I / O device interface 82 for connecting various input / output devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, display, printer, speaker, etc.) to the computers 50, 60. Through the network interface 86, the computer can be connected to various devices connected to a network (e.g., network 70 of FIG. 10). The memory 90 is provided with volatile storage for computer software instructions 92A and data 94a used to implement embodiments of the present disclosure. The computer software instructions can implement the methods and operations of methods 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and / or 900 detailed above. The disk storage 95 is provided with non-volatile storage for computer software instructions 92B and data 94b used to implement embodiments of the present invention. The computer software instructions can implement the methods and operations of methods 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and / or 900 detailed above. The central processing unit 84 is also connected to the system bus 79 and executes computer instructions.

[0047] In one embodiment, the processor routines 92A-92B and data 94a-94b are a computer program product (generally referred to as 92) that includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a removable storage medium such as one or more DVD-ROMs, CD-ROMs, floppy disks, 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 procedure, as is well known in the art. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the software instructions may also be downloaded via a 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 signal on a propagation medium (e.g., an electromagnetic wave propagated via radio waves, infrared waves, laser waves, sound waves, or a global network such as the Internet or other network). Such carrier media or signals may be employed to provide at least a portion of the software instructions for the routines / programs 92A-B of the present invention.

[0048] An embodiment or aspect thereof may be implemented in the form of hardware, firmware, or software. When implemented in software, the software can be stored on any non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to enable a processor to read the software or a subset of its instructions. The processor then executes the instructions and is configured to operate the device or cause it to operate in the manner described herein.

[0049] Furthermore, firmware, software, routines, or instructions may be described herein as performing certain operations and / or functions of a data processor. However, of course, such descriptions included herein are for convenience only, and such actions are actually due to a computing device, processor, controller, or other device that executes firmware, software, routines, instructions, etc.

[0050] Of course, flowcharts, block diagrams, and network diagrams may include more or fewer elements, may be arranged differently, or may be represented differently. However, again of course, certain implementations may define block diagrams and network diagrams, and some block diagrams and network diagrams illustrating the execution of the embodiments, in a particular way.

[0051] Accordingly, further embodiments may also be implemented on various computer architectures, physical computers, virtual computers, cloud computers, and / or some combinations thereof, and thus the data processors described herein are for illustrative purposes only and not as limiting the embodiments.

[0052] Exemplary embodiments have been particularly shown and described, but those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the scope of the embodiments encompassed by the appended claims.

[0053] For example, the foregoing description and details of the embodiments in the figures refer to applicant-assignee (Dassault Systemes Americas Corporation) and Dassault Systemes, tools and platforms for illustrative purposes only and not as limiting. Other similar tools and platforms are appropriate.

[0054] The teachings of all patents, published applications, and references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented method for generating a finite element model (FEM), comprising: Obtaining in a memory of the processor: (1) a computer-aided design (CAD) model representing an assembly of parts; and (2) an indication of a plane of symmetry within the CAD model; identifying a source part and a corresponding mirror part from within the assembly of parts, the source part and the mirror part being identified using the obtained CAD model and the symmetry plane indications; meshing the source part to generate a FEM representing the source part; mirroring the FEM representing the source part to generate a FEM representing the mirror part; A computer-implemented method comprising:

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the meshing and mirroring steps is performed automatically in response to the identifying the source part and the corresponding mirror part.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the meshing and mirroring steps is performed in response to user input.

4. The user input may include: The indication of the plane of symmetry; instructions for performing the obtaining, identifying, meshing, and mirroring steps; An indication of candidate source parts; The computer-implemented method of claim 3 , comprising at least one of:

5. The step of identifying the source part comprises: identifying said source parts using said indications of said candidate source parts; The computer-implemented method of claim 4 , comprising:

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

7. automatically modifying the FEM representing the source part and the FEM representing the mirror part in response to modifying the representation of the source part in the CAD model; The computer-implemented method of claim 6 , further comprising:

8. automatically modifying the FEM representing the mirror part in response to modifying the FEM representing the source part; The computer-implemented method of claim 6 , further comprising:

9. (1) receiving a selected element in the representation of the mirrored part in the CAD model; and (2) an indication of one or more simulation features to apply to the selected element; identifying, in the memory, one or more elements of the FEM representing the mirror part that correspond to the selected elements of the representation of the mirror part in the CAD model based on the step of associating the representation of the mirror part in the CAD model and the FEM representing the mirror part; applying the one or more simulation features to the identified one or more elements of the FEM representing the mirror part; running a simulation using the FEM representing the mirror part to which the one or more features have been applied; The computer-implemented method of claim 6 , further comprising:

10. The step of associating in the memory the representation of the mirrored part in the CAD model and the FEM representing the mirrored part comprises: linking, in the memory, (1) the representation of the mirror part in the CAD model and (2) the representation of the source part in the CAD model; linking, in said memory, (1) said representation of said source part in said CAD model and (2) an element of said FEM representing said source part; linking, in said memory, (1) the element of said FEM representing said source part and (2) the element of said FEM representing said mirror part; The computer-implemented method of claim 6 , comprising:

11. 1. A system for generating a finite element model (FEM), comprising: A processor; a memory having computer code instructions stored therein; wherein the processor and the memory use the computer code instructions to cause the system to: Obtaining in said memory: (1) a computer-aided design (CAD) model representing an assembly of parts; and (2) an indication of a plane of symmetry within said CAD model; identifying a source part and a corresponding mirror part from within an assembly of parts, the source part and the mirror part being identified using the obtained CAD model and the indication of the symmetry plane; meshing the source part to generate a FEM representative of the source part; mirroring the FEM representing the source part to generate a FEM representing the mirror part; A system configured to:

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

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

14. The user input is at least one of the indication of the symmetry plane, instructions to perform the obtaining, identifying, meshing, and mirroring, and an indication of a candidate source part, and upon identifying the source part, the processor and the memory use the computer code instructions to cause the system to: identifying said source parts using said indications of said candidate source parts; The system of claim 11 , further configured to:

15. The processor and the memory use the computer code instructions stored in the memory to provide the system with: associating in the memory a representation of the source part in the CAD model and the FEM representing the source part; associating in the memory a representation of the mirror part in the CAD model and the FEM representing the mirror part; The system of claim 11 , further configured to perform at least one of the following:

16. The processor and the memory use the computer code instructions stored in the memory to cause the system to: automatically modifying the FEM representing the source part and the FEM representing the mirrored part in response to modifying the representation of the source part in the CAD model. The system of claim 15 , further configured to:

17. The processor and the memory use the computer code instructions stored in the memory to cause the system to: automatically modifying the FEM representing the mirror part in response to modifying the FEM representing the source part. The system of claim 15 , further configured to:

18. The processor and the memory use the computer code instructions stored in the memory to cause the system to: (1) receiving a selected element in the representation of the mirrored part in the CAD model; and (2) an indication of one or more simulation features to apply to the selected element; identifying, in the memory, one or more elements of the FEM representing the mirror part that correspond to the selected elements in the representation of the mirror part in the CAD model based on the associating, in the memory, the representation of the mirror part in the CAD model and the FEM representing the mirror part; applying the one or more simulation features to the identified one or more elements in the FEM representing the mirror part; performing a simulation using the FEM representing the mirror part having the one or more features applied; The system of claim 15 , further configured to:

19. In associating in the memory the representation of the mirror part in the CAD model and the FEM representing the mirror part, the processor and the memory use the computer code instructions to cause the system to: linking, in the memory, (1) the representation of the mirror part in the CAD model and (2) the representation of the source part in the CAD model; linking, in said memory, (1) the representation of said source part in said CAD model and (2) an element of said FEM representing said source part; linking, in said memory, (1) the element of said FEM representing said source part and (2) the element of said FEM representing said mirror part; The system of claim 15 .

20. 1. 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; program instructions stored in at least one of the one or more storage devices; The program instructions, when loaded and executed by a processor, cause a device associated with the processor to: Obtaining, in memory, (1) a computer-aided design (CAD) model representing an assembly of parts; and (2) an indication of a symmetry plane within the CAD model; identifying a source part and a corresponding mirror part from within an assembly of parts, the source part and the mirror part being identified using the obtained CAD model and the indication of the symmetry plane; meshing the source part to generate a FEM representative of the source part; mirroring the FEM representing the source part to generate a FEM representing the mirror part; To carry out Computer program products.

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