Finite Element Model Calibration Using Synthetic Simulation Projection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional design processes in engineering and condition monitoring face challenges in efficiently analyzing and calibrating finite element models due to the need for detailed analysis of numerous design variants and the interaction of many parameters, often relying on reduced metadata which hinders the use of previous valuable design decisions and increases computational complexity.

Innovation Solution

A method for calibrating finite element models using measured data points involves generating simulations based on varying input parameters, calculating mathematical operators to preserve distance metrics, projecting simulations into a lower-dimensional space using eigenvectors, and iteratively generating synthetic simulations that fit measured data points, reducing computational complexity and effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional design processes use reduced metadata for analysis, then the analysis process is simpler, but the ability to perform detailed analysis of simulations and learn from previous designs is inhibited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of analysis processVSAvoidloss of detailed simulation data
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates synthetic simulations that replicate the behavior and characteristics of actual simulations without requiring the full computational burden. These synthetic copies preserve the essential information needed for calibration and analysis, enabling detailed examination without processing the complete original dataset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces synthetic simulations as an intermediary between the original complex simulations and the calibration process. These synthetic representations serve as a mediator that retains sufficient detail for meaningful analysis while being computationally efficient to handle and process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If thousands of finite element design variants are analyzed in detail, then comprehensive design evaluation is achieved, but the computational complexity and time required increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensiveness of design evaluationVSAvoidtime for computational analysis
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of analyzing all thousands of simulations in detail, the patent generates a smaller set of synthetic simulations that capture the essential behavior and variability. These synthetic copies enable comprehensive evaluation at a fraction of the computational cost and time required for full detailed analysis of all variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs partial analysis by focusing computational resources on generating and analyzing a representative subset of synthetic simulations rather than exhaustively processing all design variants. This selective approach achieves sufficient comprehensiveness for calibration purposes while dramatically reducing computational time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Manufacturing precision

If iterative calibration of finite element models is performed using conventional methods, then accurate fitting to measured data is achieved, but the computational effort and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of model calibrationVSAvoidcomputational complexity of calibration process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses synthetic simulations as proxies for actual simulations during the iterative calibration process. These synthetic copies maintain the essential characteristics needed for accurate fitting to measured data while being computationally simpler to generate and evaluate, thereby reducing the overall computational complexity of the calibration workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3156913B1A method for evaluating a plurality of data aggregations, a method for calibrating a finite element model using measured data points and a method for storing a plurality of simulations
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP3156913B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3156913B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3156913B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for evaluating a plurality of data aggregations is provided. A data aggregation comprising a plurality of data points. The method comprises calculating a mathematical operator for one of the plurality of data aggregations based on a metric for the data points of the one data aggregation. The operator defines a transformation that preserves the metric. Further, the method comprises calculating eigenvectors of the mathematical operator, and projecting the remaining data aggregations of the plurality of data aggregations into a space spanned by the eigenvectors.