Automated Rigid Body Identification in Finite Element Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing finite element analysis methods require manual definition of unique identifiers for each rigid body, making it impractical to model large numbers of rigid bodies efficiently, such as millions of granular particles, due to the extensive man-hours and costs involved.
Innovation Solution
A method to create numerically-simulated rigid bodies in a finite element analysis model without explicitly defining individual identifiers, using a linked-list scheme that groups rigid elements based on node flags, allowing for arbitrary orientations and automatic identification of rigid bodies, thereby reducing the complexity and time required for model creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual definition of unique identifiers for each rigid body is used, then rigid bodies can be properly grouped and identified, but the time and cost required increases tremendously when dealing with large numbers of rigid bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates unique identifiers for rigid bodies using node flags and a linked-list scheme without requiring manual definition. The computer system performs self-service by iterating through rigid elements, examining node flags, and automatically creating unique identifiers through the linked-list structure, eliminating the need for manual identifier assignment while ensuring proper grouping and identification of rigid bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of assigning unique identifiers is replaced with an automated computational system. The computer system uses node flags and linked-list data structures to automatically generate and manage unique identifiers for rigid bodies, substituting the manual mechanical approach with an efficient algorithmic process that handles large numbers of rigid bodies without proportional increases in time or cost.
2Reliability
If unique identifiers are manually defined for each rigid body, then proper grouping is achieved, but the complexity and tediousness of the process becomes unfeasible for production environments with millions of rigid bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The computer system performs self-service by automatically creating unique identifiers through node flags and linked-list structures. The system iterates through rigid elements, examines node flags to determine connectivity, and automatically groups rigid bodies without manual intervention, reducing complexity while maintaining grouping accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Node flags serve as an intermediary mechanism between rigid elements and unique identifier assignment. The node flags store connectivity information that mediates the automatic grouping process, allowing the system to determine which rigid elements belong to the same rigid body without direct manual definition, thereby simplifying the overall process.
3Measurement precision
If manual definition methods are used for rigid bodies, then individual identification is precise, but productivity decreases when scaling to large numbers of rigid bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical process of defining unique identifiers is replaced with an automated computational algorithm. The computer system uses node flags and linked-list structures to automatically generate unique identifiers with the same precision as manual methods would provide, but at vastly improved productivity levels that can handle millions of rigid bodies efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a template approach where the node flag structure and linked-list mechanism serve as reusable templates for identifier generation. Once the automated process is established, it can be copied and applied uniformly across all rigid bodies in the model, maintaining identification precision while dramatically improving productivity through consistent automated application.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for creating numerically-simulated rigid bodies in finite element analysis are disclosed. At least one rigid finite element in a finite element model is designated for forming one or more numerically-simulated rigid bodies (RBs). Each numerically-simulated RB comprises an arbitrary number of rigid finite elements connecting to one another in an arbitrary shape. Each numerically-simulated RB is created by locating all of the elements embedded in the FEA model through shared node or nodes. A procedure of using element definition as a guide to set up an array of node flags, each node flag for one node such that all numerically-simulated RBs defined in the model can be located efficiently. Once all numerically-simulated RBs have been located, each unique numerically-simulated RB is defined as a unique linked-list of connected rigid finite elements.