Solid Finite Elements with Six-DOF Nodes for Large Deformation Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing finite element analysis (FEA) models face challenges in simulating large deformations and rotations due to incompatibility between solid and shell elements, which limits the accuracy of simulation results and requires increased computational resources when using higher order shape functions.
Innovation Solution
The development of special purpose solid finite elements with corner nodes having six degrees-of-freedom (three translational and three rotational components) allows for improved simulation of large deformations and rotations, enabling implicit mid-edge translational deformation derivation from adjacent nodes, thus enhancing computational efficiency and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If higher order shape functions are used to improve simulation accuracy, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases and computing resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of nodal degrees of freedom from three (translational only) to six (three translational and three rotational), enabling the element to capture large deformation and rotation effects without requiring higher order shape functions, thus maintaining computational efficiency while improving simulation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces rotational degrees of freedom that allow the element to dynamically adapt to large deformations and rotations, making the element behavior more flexible and accurate for nonlinear structural analysis without increasing the polynomial order of shape functions
2Device complexity
If solid elements with only translational DOFs are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases when simulating large deformations and rotations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the fundamental parameter of nodal degrees of freedom by adding three rotational components to the traditional three translational components, enabling the element to reliably simulate large deformations and rotations while maintaining a relatively simple eight-node hexahedral structure
Solution Approach 2:
The enhanced solid element with six DOFs per node serves multiple functions: it can model both small and large deformations, handle rotational effects, and interface with shell elements, making it a universal element for diverse structural analysis applications
3Ease of operation
If solid elements with three translational DOFs are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability decreases when interfacing with shell elements
Solution Approach 1:
By endowing solid elements with six DOFs per node, the patent creates a universal element type that can interface with both solid and shell elements, enabling seamless multi-element modeling while maintaining ease of operation through a consistent six-DOF nodal definition across all element types
Data Source
AI summary
System and method of simulating large deformation and rotation of a structure in a finite element analysis used for improving structural design is disclosed. A solid finite element is configured for simulating large deformations and/or rotations of a structure. The solid finite element comprises only corner nodes with each node having six degrees-of-freedom (DOF), three translational and three rotational. In other words, each node is configured to include translational deformation and rotation deformation, each of the translational and rotational deformation has three components corresponding to one of the six DOFs. The solid finite element has a plurality of external edges. Each external edge has two ends, each end is located at one of the adjacent corner nodes. Additionally, translational deformation at mid-edge point of each external edge is implicitly embedded in the translational and rotational deformations of two adjacent corner nodes.