Mirror 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 technology]

[0002] Many systems and programs are available on the market for designing parts using computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided engineering (CAE). These so-called CAD systems allow users to build and manipulate complex three-dimensional models of objects or assemblies of objects. To do so, 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 may be represented in various ways, such as, for example, non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS).

[0003] These CAD systems manage parts or assemblies of parts modeled by objects, primarily specifications of their geometric shapes. Specifically, a CAD file contains the specifications from which the geometric shapes are generated. From the geometry, a representation is generated. The specification, geometry, and representation may be stored in a single CAD file or multiple CAD files. CAD systems include graphical tools to represent the modeled object to the designer, and these tools are dedicated to representing complex objects. For example, an assembly may contain thousands of parts. CAD systems can be used to manage models of objects stored in electronic files.

[0004] The advent of CAD and CAE systems allows for a wide range of representation possibilities for objects. One such representation is the finite element model (FEM). An FEM, or other CAD, CAE, or computer-based model, may be programmed to have the properties of the underlying object that the model represents. When an FEM model or other such computer-based model is programmed in such a manner, it can be used to perform a simulation of the object that the model represents. For example, an FEM may be used to represent the interior cavity of a vehicle, an acoustic fluid surrounding a structure, and any number of real-world objects and systems. When a given model represents an object and is programmed accordingly, it may 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, a computer-based model such as a FEM may be used to improve the design of the object that the model represents. Design improvements may be identified through the use of computer-based optimization techniques that run a series of simulations to identify modifications to the design of the model and, in turn, the underlying real-world object that the model represents. Summary of the Invention

[0006] While the use of computer-based models is common, for example, 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, improvements to existing methods for generating finite element models (FEMs). Embodiments provide substantial benefits to users by automating the generation of FEMs, e.g., 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 begins by a processor acquiring, in a memory of the processor, a CAD model representing an assembly of parts and symmetry plane indications within the CAD model. From within the assembly of parts, the processor identifies a source part and a corresponding mirror part, where the source part and mirror part are identified using the acquired CAD model and symmetry plane indications. To proceed, 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 meshing and mirroring is performed automatically in response to identifying a source part and a corresponding mirror part.

[0009] In another embodiment, at least one of meshing and mirroring is performed in response to user input. According to one embodiment, the user input is at least one of an indication of a symmetry plane, an indication to perform acquisition, identification, meshing, and mirroring, and an indication of candidate source parts. In another embodiment, identifying the source part includes identifying the source part using the indications of the candidate source parts.

[0010] Another embodiment includes at least one of the steps of (1) associating in memory a representation of a source part and a FEM representing the source part in the CAD model, and (2) associating in memory a representation of a mirror part and a FEM representing the mirror part in the CAD model. In yet another embodiment, in response to a change to the representation of the source part in the CAD model, the method automatically modifies the FEM representing the source part and the FEM representing the mirror part. In another embodiment, in response to a change to the FEM representing the source part, the method automatically modifies the FEM representing the mirror part. Another embodiment includes receiving (1) selected elements of the representation of the mirror part in the CAD model and (2) instructions for one or more simulation features to apply to the selected elements. Based on the step of associating in memory a representation of the mirror part and a FEM representing the mirror part, the embodiment identifies one or more elements of the FEM representing the mirror part that correspond to the selected elements in the instruction of the mirror part 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 part and performs a simulation using the FEM representing the mirror part with the one or more features applied. In a further embodiment, associating in memory the representation of the mirrored part in the CAD model and the FEM representing the mirrored part includes linking in memory: (1) the representation of the mirrored part in the CAD model and the representation of the source part in the CAD model; (2) the representation of the source part in the CAD model and an element of the FEM representing the source part; and (3) the element of the FEM representing the source part and an element of the FEM representing the mirrored part.

[0011] Another exemplary embodiment is directed to a system for generating a FEM, the system including a processor and a memory having computer code instructions stored thereon, the processor and memory configured to use the computer code instructions to cause the system to implement any embodiment or combination of embodiments described herein.

[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 an embodiment, 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.

[0013] It should be noted that the methods, systems, and computer program product embodiments may be configured to implement any embodiment or combination of embodiments described herein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] The foregoing will be 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] [Figure 1] 1 is a graphical representation of a method for generating a mirrored FEM of an identified part, according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart of a method for generating a finite element model according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of how a CAD part can be created using 3D modeling tools across a mirrored surface. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a graphical illustration of a method for automatically generating a FEM of a CAD assembly using mirroring across mirror planes according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a graphical illustration of a method for automatically detecting pairs of mirrored parts in a CAD assembly for FEM mirroring based on identified mirror surfaces, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of a method for automatically generating FEMs for both a source part and a mirror part in response to identifying the mirror part. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a graphical illustration of a method for generating a FEM based on a user-selected existing FEM, according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a graphical illustration of a method for generating a FEM automatically and based on user input, according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a graphical illustration of a method for implementing modifications to a FEM, according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates a computer network or similar digital processing environment in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. [Figure 11] 11 is an exemplary diagram of the internal structure of a computer in the computer system of FIG. 10, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] A description of an exemplary embodiment follows.

[0017] Embodiments provide an innovative and time-efficient method and system for the automatic, comprehensive, and associative generation of simulation models, e.g., finite element models, for symmetric components within assemblies, e.g., extensive assemblies.

[0018] Computer-based design users are looking for ways to streamline 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 aviation industries, over 20% of the parts in CAD assemblies representing the real-world objects being designed, e.g., automobiles and aircraft, are symmetric. Embodiments take advantage of this symmetry to improve the efficiency of modeling real-world objects. Specifically, embodiments provide improved methods and systems for generating FEMs. Embodiments implement a solution that allows for rapid replication of one half of a model's symmetric mesh once the opposite half of the symmetric mesh has been modeled.

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

[0020] An embodiment of method 100 may be implemented in CAE software such as, for example, 3DEXPERIENCE® offered by Dassault Systemes Americas Corporation, the assignee of the present application. In such an embodiment, for example, the interface presented in step 102 may be provided using functionality within 3DEXPERIENCE®.

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

[0022] As previously mentioned, method 200 is computer-implemented, such that the functions and operations, e.g., obtaining (201), identifying (202), meshing (203), and mirroring (204), are automatically implemented by one or more digital processors. Furthermore, method 200 can be practiced using any computer device or combination of computing devices known in the art. Among other examples, method 200 may be implemented using computers / devices 50 and / or 60 described herein below in connection with FIGS. 10 and 11 . Furthermore, method 200 and embodiments described herein may be implemented in existing computer-based design software. For example, exemplary embodiments may be implemented in 3DEXPERIENCE® R2024x, offered by applicant-assignee Dassault Systemes Americas Corporation. In such embodiments, the 3DEXPERIENCE® model assembly design application is enhanced with embodiments to provide a powerful tool for mirroring FEM.

[0023] Embodiments of method 200 can generate a FEM using geometry from any number of sources. Method 200 is computer-implemented, and thus the CAD model can be obtained in step 201 from any point that is or can be communicatively coupled to the computing device performing method 200, e.g., data storage. Additionally, the model obtained in step 201 can include any of the following, among other examples: (1) a part body; (2) a solid body; or (3) a geometry from an ordered geometric set.

[0024] Additionally, in step 201, the indication of the symmetry plane in the CAD model may be obtained using any technique capable of communicating, i.e., indicating, 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) that may be available to the user, such as via a component application architecture (CAA) or scripting API. In another embodiment, the indication of the symmetry plane is obtained by receiving, in response to user input, the coordinates of the symmetry plane relative to the coordinate system of the obtained CAD model.

[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 determined in step 202 by first generating, for each part of the assembly of parts (or a subset thereof), a respective point cloud representing the part. Furthermore, a mapping between the point clouds and the part is also created to ultimately determine the source part and the mirror part. Next, each generated point cloud representing the part on the first side of the symmetry plane and each generated point cloud representing the part on the second side of the symmetry plane are compared to identify symmetrical point clouds. In one embodiment, comparing the point clouds includes comparing the positions of points in the point cloud on the first side of the symmetry plane with the positions of points in the point cloud on the opposite side of the symmetry plane. In such an embodiment, the point clouds are considered symmetrical to each other if the positions of points in the point cloud on the first side of the symmetry mirror plane and the positions of points on the opposite side of the symmetry plane are greater than a threshold value, e.g., 90 percent. For each grouping of symmetric point clouds, one point cloud is considered to be the source point cloud and another point cloud is considered to be the mirror point cloud. The aforementioned mapping between point clouds and parts of the assembly is used along with the identified symmetric point clouds to determine the corresponding source and mirror parts. 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 part using any technique known to one of ordinary skill in the art to generate a FEM representing the source part.

[0027] Additionally, according to one embodiment, in step 204, the FEM representing the source part may be mirrored using techniques known in the art. For example, in one embodiment, a mesh tool is used to manipulate the mesh data. In another embodiment, to perform the mirroring in step 204, mesh elements on one side of the desired mirror plane may be selected and duplicated. The coordinates of the double mesh elements may then be transformed by reflecting them across the mirror plane, which involves changing the sign of coordinates perpendicular to the mirror plane. After this transformation, the orientation of mesh elements, such as faces and volumes, may be adjusted. This adjustment ensures that element normality and node order are correct, maintains mesh consistency, and prevents problems such as inverted normality or incorrect connections. In step 204, method 200 creates a mirrored copy of the mesh with elements correctly 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, planar symmetry of the mirror plane may be required to convert a right-handed axis system to a left-handed axis system, or vice versa, if necessary. However, a left-handed coordinate system presents technical and theoretical challenges (e.g., lack of quadrants) and is not ideal. As a result, in one embodiment, each entity, including mesh topology, material orientation, and beam orientation, is converted to a standard right-handed coordinate system when performing mirroring in step 204. To illustrate, in one embodiment, the FEM representing the source part (e.g., as generated in step 203) is modeled in a standard right-handed coordinate system. However, when the FEM representing the mirror part is generated in step 204, the mirroring operation converts the right-handed coordinate system of the FEM representing the source part to the left-handed coordinate system of the FEM representing the mirror part. Thus, one embodiment converts the FEM representing the mirror part in a left-handed coordinate system to the FEM representing the mirror part in a right-handed coordinate system. In this way, such an embodiment preserves the intent of mirroring and avoids the technical difficulties caused by left-handed coordinate systems.

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

[0029] 2 , in some embodiments, at least one of meshing (step 203) and mirroring (step 204) is performed automatically in response to the source parts and corresponding mirror parts 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) instructions to perform the obtaining step (201), identifying step (202), meshing step (203), and mirroring step (204); and (3) an indication of a candidate source part. According to one embodiment, the source part is identified in step 202 using the indication of the candidate source part.

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

[0031] Additionally, embodiments of method 200 may rely on the aforementioned associations to perform the simulation. In such embodiments, the mirror CAD elements and the mirror FEM elements are, for example, designated / linked in memory as corresponding, and similarly, the source CAD part and elements in the FEM representing the source CAD part are linked / associated. These associations enable such embodiments to apply simulation features (e.g., loads, boundary conditions, constraints, properties, etc.) directly onto elements of the FEM (e.g., the mirror FEM) that correspond to elements of the CAD part (e.g., the mirror CAD part). To perform these functions, embodiments of method 200 receive (1) selected elements, e.g., CAD entities, of a representation of the mirrored part in the CAD model and (2) instructions for one or more simulation features (e.g., loads, boundary conditions, etc.) to apply to the selected elements. Based on associating in memory the mirrored part in the CAD model and the representation of the FEM representing the mirrored part, embodiments identify one or more elements of the FEM representing the mirrored part that correspond to the selected elements in the designation of the mirrored part in 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 mirrored part and perform a simulation using the FEM representing the mirrored part with the one or more features applied. In a further embodiment, associating the representation of the mirrored part in the CAD model with the FEM representing the mirrored part in memory may include linking, in memory, (1) the representation of the mirrored part in the CAD model and a representation of the source part in the CAD model, (2) the representation of the source part in the CAD model and the element of the FEM representing the source part, and (3) the element of the FEM representing the source part and the element of the FEM representing the mirrored part.

[0032] 3 is a graphical illustration of a method 300 for creating a CAD part using a CAD modeling tool, such as, for example, 3DEXPERIENCE®, across a mirror plane. Method 300 begins with identifying or otherwise obtaining a source CAD part 301 and a mirror plane 302. CAD mirroring 305 is then performed, for example, using the CAD modeling tool, to create a mirrored CAD part 303 across 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] 4 is a graphical illustration of a method 400 for automatically generating a 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 , including a source part 301 and a mirror part 303, and (2) a mirror plane 302. Next, FEM mirroring 404 is performed by first identifying the source part 301 and meshing the source part 301 to create a source FEM 401, e.g., based on user input. Then, automatically or in response to user input according to an embodiment, mirroring process 404 mirrors the source FEM 401 across the mirror plane 302 to generate a mirror FEM 402, thus generating a FEM 403 of the assembly 304.

[0034] 5 is a graphical illustration of a method 500 for automatically detecting pairs of mirrored parts in a CAD assembly for FEM mirroring based on identified mirror planes. Method 500 begins by creating / obtaining source CAD parts 501 and 502. 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 identifying mirror plane 503, mirrored CAD parts 504 and 505 are automatically generated across mirror plane 503.

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

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

[0037] 8 is a graphical illustration of a method 800 for generating a FEM automatically and based on user input, according to one embodiment. In method 800, a user may select a source CAD part having an existing source FEM 801, which is responsively mirrored across mirror plane 503 to create a mirror CAD part having a generated mirror FEM 804. Furthermore, method 800 may also automatically generate a FEM of source CAD part 802 and additionally automatically mirror the FEM across mirror plane 503 to generate a mirror CAD part having a generated FEM 805.

[0038] 9 is a graphical illustration of a method for implementing changes to a FEM, according to one embodiment. Method 900 begins, in step 901, with a source FEM 902a and a mirrored FEM 904a (which is mirrored across a mirror plane 903). In method 900, FEMs 902a and 904a are associated, i.e., linked / mapped, together in memory so that changes to one of the FEMs, e.g., 902a / 904a, are implemented in the other FEM 902a / 904a. To proceed, in step 903, FEM 902b is modified 906a, e.g., by a user, and responsively, this modification is implemented 906b across the mirror plane 903 to create modified FEM 904b. In this manner, a FEM, e.g., mirrored FEM 904a, is associated with changes made to its corresponding source FEM 902a, and vice versa. Additionally, embodiments may also link a CAD part and a FEM 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 for automating mirror FEM modeling within assemblies. Embodiments provide improvements to data models, process efficiency, and performance. For example, embodiments enable increased productivity. In many simulation workflows, approximately 40% of the global time 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 automated FEM mirroring functionality described herein, embodiments provide significant time savings.

[0040] Mirroring FEMs also enables simplification. Implementing the use of mirror FEM generation, embodiments leverage the capabilities of Modeling and Simulation for Mirror Part Detection (MODSIM) technology, thus eliminating the need to tag parts as symmetrical to other parts. Embodiments can automatically establish links between source and mirrored parts, enabling rapid navigation. Embodiments also provide robust modeling. The generated FEM can be fully associative with the source FEM and automatically reflects changes made 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 a precisely symmetric model, providing better force flow for crashworthiness simulations.

[0041] Among other advantages, by efficiently generating FEMs, embodiments may be used in manufacturing and optimization workflows to determine optimized designs for real-world objects, such as automobiles, which are then manufactured according to the determined optimized designs. Automating FEM generation significantly accelerates the meshing process (i.e., the process of generating a FEM, i.e., a mesh) and also allows 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 5 mm mesh size. Automating FEM generation also improves accessibility (no interactive application required). Embodiments can also work with assemblies to automatically create FEM assemblies. Another advantage of automatically generating FEMs using embodiments is the ability to mesh multiple products without having to load all of the geometric shapes and data that may be associated with the FEM into computer memory. Assemblies typically contain hundreds of geometric shapes representing parts. From a software perspective, loading the geometric shapes involves retrieving all of the associated data, which can consume significant memory and resources. Embodiments of the mirroring process described herein function without fully loading all the data that would allow mirrored parts to be identified with "basic loading." The automated FEM methods described herein can be used with individual products or assemblies to create assembled FEMs and mesh the resulting assembly with a three-dimensional (3D) shape representation. Embodiments can also perform procedures to optimize the geometry and complete other tasks on the product before meshing (e.g., changing the geometry from a thin solid to a surface).

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

[0043] Furthermore, expediting and automating the mesh generation process also allows embodiments to accelerate optimization methods and more quickly manufacture and generate real-world objects. To illustrate, FEMs are modified during optimization studies, and often the modified FEMs can become longer, reaching a point where a new FEM must be created. By utilizing embodiments, new FEMs can be generated more quickly, ultimately leading to more quickly completing the optimization study, determining an optimized design, and manufacturing a real-world object, such as a vehicle, with the optimized design. In this manner, embodiments can be used in manufacturing processes to manufacture real-world objects. Furthermore, embodiments can begin by measuring or acquiring data about the real-world object 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, e.g., a version that meets new physical behavior requirements.

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

[0045] The client computers / devices 50 and server computers 60 provide processing, storage, and input / output devices for running application programs and the like. The client computers / devices 50 may also be linked to other computing devices, including other client devices / processes 50 and server computers 60, via a communications network 70. The communications network 70 may be part of a remote access network, a global network (e.g., the Internet), a collection of computers worldwide, a local area or wide area network, and gateways that currently communicate with each other using their 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) in the computer system of FIG. 10. Each computer 50, 60 includes a system bus 79, which is a set of hardware lines used to transfer data between components of a computer or processing system. The system bus 79 is essentially a shared conduit connecting the various components of the computer system (e.g., processor, disk storage, memory, input / output ports, network ports, etc.) and enabling information transfer between the components. Attached to the system bus 79 is an I / O device interface 82 for connecting various input / 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 various devices connected to a network (e.g., network 70 of FIG. 10). A memory 90 provides volatile storage for computer software instructions 92A and data 94a used to implement embodiments of the present disclosure. The computer software instructions may implement the methods and operations of methods 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and / or 900 detailed above. Disk storage 95 provides non-volatile storage for computer software instructions 92B and data 94b used to implement embodiments of the present invention. The computer software instructions may implement the methods and operations of methods 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and / or 900 detailed above. A central processing unit 84 is also coupled to system bus 79 for executing computer instructions.

[0047] In one embodiment, 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., removable storage medium such as one or more DVD-ROMs, CD-ROMs, diskettes, tapes, etc.) that provides at least a portion of the software instructions for the embodiment. Computer program product 92 can be installed by any suitable software installation procedure, as 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 propagated signal product embodied in a propagated signal on a propagated medium (e.g., radio waves, infrared waves, laser waves, sound waves, or electric waves propagated over a global network such as the Internet or other networks). 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] The 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 configured to enable a processor to load the software, or a subset of its instructions. The processor is then configured to execute the instructions to operate a device or cause it to operate in a method described herein.

[0049] Furthermore, firmware, software, routines, or instructions may be described herein as performing certain operations and / or functions of a data processor, although it will be understood that such descriptions contained herein are merely for convenience and that such actions actually result from a computing device, processor, controller, or other device executing the firmware, software, routines, instructions, etc.

[0050] It should be understood that the flow diagrams, block diagrams, and network diagrams may include more or fewer elements, may be arranged differently, or may be represented differently, but it should also be understood that a particular implementation may define the block diagrams and network diagrams, and some block diagrams and network diagrams illustrating the implementation of embodiments, in a particular way.

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

[0052] While exemplary embodiments have been particularly shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and details 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 illustrated embodiments refer to Applicant-Assignee (Dassault Systemes Americas Corporation) and Dassault Systemes tools and platforms for purposes of illustration, but not limitation. Other similar tools and platforms are suitable.

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

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented method for generating a finite element model (FEM), comprising: Obtaining in memory of the processor: (1) a computer-aided design (CAD) model representing an assembly of parts; and (2) indications of symmetry planes 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 acquired 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 be: 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 component comprises: identifying the source part using the indication of the candidate source part; 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 mirror part in the CAD model with the FEM representing the mirror 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. receiving (1) selected elements in the representation of the mirrored part in the CAD model; and (2) instructions for one or more simulation features to apply to the selected elements; 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 with 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; performing 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. Associating in the memory the representation of the mirrored part in the CAD model with 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 elements of said FEM representing said source part and (2) the elements 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: (1) acquiring into said memory 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 acquired CAD model and the indication of the symmetry plane; 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 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 the source component using the indication of the candidate source component; The system of claim 13 , further configured to:

15. The processor and the memory use the computer code instructions stored in the memory to cause the system to: 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 mirror part in the CAD model with 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 mirror 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) receiving 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 to which the one or more features have been 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 with 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) 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 elements of said FEM representing said source part and (2) the elements 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), said 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) indications of symmetry planes 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 acquired CAD model and the indication of the symmetry plane; 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 program product that causes

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