Parallel Workflow Finite Element Pre-Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current finite analysis systems require serial execution of tasks by a single user, leading to slow and cumbersome optimization cycles, particularly in complex systems like automobiles and aircraft, resulting in significant delays and increased development costs.
Innovation Solution
A method for collaborative finite analysis pre-processing that allows multiple users to work concurrently by assigning specific tasks and regions to different users, enabling de-features, material definition, meshing, and boundary condition definition on a de-featured model, with a system and apparatus to facilitate this collaborative workflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If serial execution of pre-processing tasks by a single user is used, then control and coordination of tasks are simplified, but productivity and optimization cycle speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pre-processing workflow into discrete, assignable tasks (e.g., de-features, material definition, meshing, boundary conditions) that can be independently executed by different users. This segmentation enables parallel processing while maintaining manageable coordination through clear task boundaries and ownership assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-user sequential workflow to a multi-user parallel workflow by adding the user dimension to the task execution model. Multiple users can simultaneously work on different aspects of the same model, transforming the temporal sequence into a spatial parallelism across multiple workstations.
2Productivity
If multiple users work concurrently on the same model, then productivity increases, but risk of uncoordinated changes and conflicts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary task assignment and ownership definition before users begin working. By pre-establishing which user is responsible for which task and implementing lock mechanisms on assigned portions of the model, the system prevents uncoordinated changes while allowing concurrent work on different segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a centralized server that continuously monitors and coordinates changes across all users' workstations. The server provides feedback about model state, task completion status, and potential conflicts, enabling real-time coordination and ensuring model consistency throughout the collaborative process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for collaborative analysis pre-processing of electronic models of engineering objects includes assigning a first user to de-feature a model of an engineering object during a first session to provide a de-featured model of an engineering object, assigning a second user to conduct other FEA pre-processing operations on the model of the engineering object during a second session, and applying the other FEA pre-processing operations for the model of the engineering object to the de-featured model of the engineering object. Example of other FEA pre-processing operations include applying a material definition to a geometry, pre-meshing a geometry, initiating automated meshing of a geometry, validating automated meshing of a geometry, editing a mesh for a geometry, manually meshing a geometry, and defining one or more boundary conditions for a geometry. The second session and the first session may be conducted concurrently. A corresponding system and apparatus are also disclosed herein.