1D Element Geometric Entity Conversion in FEM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing finite element analysis (FEA) tools face challenges in accurately translating 1D elements, such as rods and beams, between different FEA tools, leading to errors in geometric entity translation, including orientation vectors and cross-section properties, which can result in inaccurate finite element models.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to convert geometric entities of 1D elements from a source FEA tool format to a destination format by transforming coordinates into a global coordinate system, using transformation and shift matrices to accurately translate local, offset, and elemental coordinate systems, ensuring precise conversion of geometric entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If commercially available finite element translators are used to translate 1D elements between different FEA tools, then translation speed is improved, but translation accuracy deteriorates due to errors in geometric entity translation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the translation process into distinct stages: extracting geometric entities from source format, transforming coordinates to global coordinate system, and converting to destination format. This segmentation allows each stage to be handled with appropriate precision, particularly ensuring accurate translation of 1D element geometric entities through dedicated transformation matrices for local, offset, and elemental coordinate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a global coordinate system as an intermediary reference frame. All local, offset, and elemental coordinate systems are transformed to the global coordinate system during translation, ensuring consistent and accurate geometric entity representation across different FEA tool formats without losing precision.
2Ease of operation
If existing translators are used for 1D elements, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to un-rectifiable errors in geometric entity translation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated extraction and transformation of geometric entities. The system automatically identifies 1D elements in source format, extracts their geometric entities, transforms coordinates through the global coordinate system, and converts to destination format without manual intervention, ensuring both ease of operation and high reliability through consistent automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms to verify translation accuracy. The system checks that geometric entities are correctly transformed by validating the consistency of coordinate transformations and ensuring that essential geometric properties are preserved during the translation process from source to destination format.
3Productivity
If commercial translators translate 1D elements, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to errors in orientation vector and cross-section property translation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating different geometric entities with specialized transformation approaches. Specific transformation matrices are developed for local coordinate systems, offset coordinate systems, and elemental coordinate systems, ensuring that each type of geometric entity (orientation vectors, cross-section properties, node coordinates) is transformed with the appropriate level of precision required for its specific characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method of converting geometric entities of 1D elements in a finite element model (FEM) from a source finite element analysis (FEA) tool format to a destination FEA tool format is disclosed. In one embodiment, coordinates of all the geometric entities associated with each 1D element in the FEM are transformed from the source FEA tool format to a global coordinate system. The geometric entities of the ID elements in the FEM are then converted from the source FEA tool format to the destination FEA tool format using the transformed coordinates of all the geometric entities associated with each 1D element.