Hexahedral Element Meshes for Complex Geometry Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current finite element analysis models struggle to accurately represent complex and irregular geometries, leading to inaccuracies in mechanical integrity assessments and fabrication processes, particularly in large-scale three-dimensional computational models used for structures like salt caverns.
Innovation Solution
The development of systems, methods, and computer program products that generate two- and three-dimensional finite element meshes using linked hexahedral elements, allowing for precise modeling of complex geometries while reducing computational elements to save on computer run time, and enabling accurate analysis and fabrication of complex shapes through automated mesh generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If simplified shapes are used to model complex geometries, then computer run time is reduced, but modeling accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The complex geometry is segmented into multiple hexahedral elements that collectively represent the irregular shape. Each element is a simple hexahedron, but their assembly captures the complex geometry accurately, resolving the contradiction between simple individual elements and complex overall geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the mesh elements from traditional tetrahedral or irregular shapes to hexahedral elements with specific geometric properties. This parameter change enables better representation of complex geometries while maintaining computational efficiency through the structured nature of hexahedral meshes.
2Device complexity
If simplified cylindrical shapes are used for salt caverns, then computational complexity is reduced, but geometric fidelity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The salt cavern geometry is segmented into multiple hexahedral elements that can conform to the actual irregular shape. This segmentation allows the model to capture geometric fidelity while keeping individual elements computationally simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from simplified 2D cross-sectional representations to 3D hexahedral element models. This dimensional enhancement allows accurate representation of complex three-dimensional geometries like salt caverns while maintaining computational tractability through the structured mesh approach.
3Ease of manufacture
If approximations are used to represent irregular spaces, then mesh generation is simplified, but representation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the mesh elements to hexahedral shapes with specific geometric properties. This parameter change enables both ease of generation through automated algorithms and high representation accuracy, as hexahedral elements can conform to irregular boundaries while maintaining structured mesh benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated mesh generation program using linked hexahedral elements is designed to self-adapt to irregular geometries without requiring manual intervention. The algorithm automatically generates the mesh structure that accurately represents the irregular space, combining simplicity of generation with high accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and computer program products for creating 3D representations of bodies are disclosed. The systems, methods and computer program products include the construction of FE meshes representing complex geometries. The complex geometries may be artificially or naturally formed or designed geometries. The techniques reduce the number of elements as much as possible to save on computer run time while maintaining computational accuracy.