Automated Layered Shell Mesh Model Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating computerized mesh models of layered shell-like structures in CAE analysis are tedious and ad hoc, requiring interactive graphical preprocessors to handle different element types and material properties over thickness directions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a 2-D reference mesh model and user-specified definitions to calculate new nodal locations and form finite elements, allowing for automatic generation of computerized models representing layered shell-like structures with varying layer characteristics, ensuring that shell and solid finite elements are properly stacked and connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If prior art approaches are used to create computerized mesh models with different element types and material properties, then the models can represent layered shell-like structures, but the process becomes tedious and requires interactive graphical preprocessors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining template models with standardized element types and material properties for different layered structures. These templates are prepared in advance and can be automatically selected and applied during mesh model creation, eliminating the need for manual interactive preprocessing while maintaining accurate representation of complex layered shell-like structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a standardized template model that can serve multiple purposes across different applications. The template model contains generalized definitions of shell elements, solid elements, and material properties that can be universally applied to various layered shell-like structures, reducing the need for application-specific manual modeling procedures
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual interactive graphical preprocessors are used to manipulate mesh models, then complex layered structures can be represented, but the process becomes time-consuming and ad hoc
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining template models with standardized element types and material properties for different layered structures. These templates are prepared in advance and can be automatically selected and applied during mesh model creation, eliminating the need for manual interactive preprocessing while maintaining accurate representation of complex layered shell-like structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by using template models that can be replicated and applied to generate mesh models automatically. Instead of manually creating each mesh model from scratch, the system copies the standardized definitions from templates, ensuring consistency and dramatically improving productivity while maintaining the ability to represent complex layered structures
3Manufacturing precision
If different element types and material properties are manually assigned to layers, then accurate material representation is achieved, but the process becomes ad hoc and difficult to standardize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a standardized template model that can serve multiple purposes across different applications. The template model contains generalized definitions of shell elements, solid elements, and material properties that can be universally applied to various layered shell-like structures, reducing the need for application-specific manual modeling procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the template model to define standardized parameters for element types, material properties, and layer configurations. These parameters can be systematically modified through the system interface rather than manual manipulation, ensuring that material property assignments remain accurate and consistent across different models while allowing for controlled variations when needed
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for creating a computerized model representing a layered shell-like structure are disclosed. 2-D reference mesh model and a user-specified definition of a layered shell-like structure are received in a computer system. The 2-D reference mesh model contains a plurality of reference nodes connected by a plurality of 2-D reference elements for representing the layered shell-like structure's mid-plane in the 2-D reference mesh model's thickness direction and the user-specified definition includes the number of layers and each layer's characteristics. A set of new nodal locations along respective reference nodes' normal vectors are calculated according to a set of rules derived from the user-specified definition. New nodes for defining a computerized model that represents the layered shell-like structure are created by reproducing the reference nodes at each corresponding new nodal location. And corresponding finite elements of the computerized model at respective layers are formed according to the user-specified definition.