Quadratic Finite Element Contact Segmentation for Impact Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing finite element analysis methods struggle to efficiently simulate impact events involving a mixture of low-order linear and quadratic finite elements due to the lack of robust closed-form solutions for contact point detection, leading to performance degradation and inefficient computation, especially in severe loadings.
Innovation Solution
The method involves organizing a finite element analysis model into groups with linear and quadratic elements, generating new contact segments based on predefined rules, and updating contact surface definitions to enable efficient time-marching simulations, allowing for the inclusion of quadratic elements without additional user input and preserving computation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If quadratic finite elements are included in the finite element model, then simulation accuracy is improved, but computation efficiency deteriorates due to lack of closed-form contact solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the contact surface into different types: quadratic contact segments (from quadratic finite elements) and linear contact segments (from low-order finite elements). This segmentation allows each segment type to be processed with its own specialized algorithm - closed-form solutions for linear segments and iterative solutions for quadratic segments - thereby maintaining accuracy while managing computational cost efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different contact treatment approaches to different regions of the contact surface based on their element order. Quadratic segments use iterative solution methods when needed, while linear segments use efficient closed-form solutions. This local differentiation optimizes the balance between accuracy and computational efficiency across the entire contact surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mixed contact surface definitions are used to accommodate both linear and quadratic elements, then model versatility is improved, but software complexity increases due to special branching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface is segmented into distinct quadratic and linear contact segments, each handled by dedicated algorithms. This segmentation allows the software to process different element types through separate, well-defined pathways, reducing the complexity of handling mixed models compared to a unified approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal contact treatment framework that can handle both quadratic and linear finite elements within the same model. By establishing a common structure for contact surface definitions that accommodates multiple element types, the software achieves versatility without requiring completely separate processing systems.
3Measurement precision
If iterative solutions are used for quadratic finite element contact points, then contact accuracy is improved, but computation time increases due to lack of robustness under severe loadings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments contact segments into quadratic and linear types, applying iterative solutions only to quadratic segments when necessary, while using closed-form solutions for linear segments. This selective application minimizes computation time while maintaining accuracy where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach to contact point detection based on the element order parameter. For linear elements, closed-form solutions are used; for quadratic elements, iterative solutions are employed. This parameter-based differentiation optimizes the balance between accuracy and computational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for creating a contact surface definition involving lower order and quadratic finite elements (QFE) in a FEA model used for numerically simulating an impact event are disclosed. FEA model is organized by one or more groups of finite elements. Each group represents one of the product's parts and is identified by a part ID. Further, the FEA model is configured with one or more contact surface definitions for detecting contacts amongst the parts due to the impact event. For each determined group that is determined to contain QFE, a new group is created. The new group is associated with a unique part ID. Contact segments for the new group are then generated in accordance with a set of predefined rules for subdividing one or more geometric shapes associated with the QFE. Contact surface definitions are updated by replacing each determined group with the new group.