Finite Element Post-Processing with Dynamic String Interpolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current numerical modeling and analysis techniques, such as finite element modeling, require significant user interaction and manual processing for post-processing, making it time and resource-intensive to extract data across non-standard slices or those involving numerous elements, especially in complex structural products like aircraft components.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for post-processing numerical models that allows for the generation of a dynamically adjustable string across a mesh, creating intermediate points and calculating an interpolated dataset, which can be plotted and updated in real-time, reducing the need for manual data extraction and alignment with node lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual data extraction methods are used for non-standard slices or slices involving numerous elements, then data can be extracted, but the process becomes time and resource prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic identification of elements along the string, automatic interpolation of data, and automatic plotting without requiring manual user intervention. The computer system serves itself by autonomously completing post-processing tasks that previously required significant human interaction, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (user interaction, manual data extraction, hand plotting) with automated computer-based processing. The system uses algorithms to identify elements, interpolate data values, and generate plots automatically, substituting the mechanical process of manual analysis with computational automation.
2Measurement precision
If manual processing is used to identify elements along a given path and interpolate data, then accurate results can be obtained, but the process is cumbersome and difficult to complete in a reasonable time frame
Solution Approach 1:
The computer system automatically identifies elements along the user-defined string, determines which elements intersect with the string, and performs interpolation calculations without requiring manual user interaction. This self-service capability maintains interpolation accuracy while eliminating the cumbersome manual process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an automated computational intermediary that handles the complex task of element identification and data interpolation. This intermediary process acts as a bridge between the user's simple string definition and the final interpolated results, performing the intermediate computational steps automatically.
3Quantity of substance
If existing post-processing methods are used for complex models with more than one hundred thousand elements, then data can be extracted, but the process becomes resource prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the specific data needed along the user-defined string rather than processing or visualizing the entire complex model. By focusing computation only on elements that intersect with the string, the system significantly reduces computational resource requirements while handling models with hundreds of thousands of elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing post-processing operations only on the subset of elements that are relevant to the user-defined string, rather than processing all elements in the model. This selective approach reduces computational effort and resource consumption while maintaining complete accuracy for the required data.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (1200) is provided for implementation of a post-processing system (200) for providing post-processing (106) analysis of a numerical model (500). The post-processing system (200) may render a numerical model that represents a structural product by a mesh of elements (602). A dynamically adjustable user-defined string (506) across the mesh is generated and a set of intermediate points that coincide with intersection of the string (606) and edges of at least some of the elements of the mesh is created. An interpolated dataset, for which a plot is subsequently generated, is calculated from the nodal dataset and at least some nodal points. In response to adjustment of the string (506), a corresponding adjusted string (506) is generated, a new set of intermediate points is created, and an interpolated dataset with which the new set of intermediate points is associated is calculated.