Automizing CAD mesh transition from CAD to FEA

Inleiding

Currently, CAD/CAM applications play an important role in any kind of design industry, which includes shipbuilding (our prior concern) and other sectors bound to CAD/CAM applications. Over the decades, we have witnessed enormous changes within this field, which has changed the concept of CAD designing on a very large scale.

Technologische Verbeteringen

With the improvement of technology in this field, it’s a standard practice for designers to conduct Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in order to validate their engineering concepts before starting building/production.

Prototype en Validatie

They usually set up a prototype for these validations under an FEA or CFD environment. Setting up these validation tests usually starts with creating the meshes for the CAD/CAM models.

Mesh Generatie

Mesh generation is often the most time-consuming part of FEA computer simulations. Research in mesh generation has attempted to remedy this issue with varying degrees of success.

Probleemstelling

A main difficulty in solving the meshing issue is the extent of the problem space. It has been a challenge to adjust the solid models that are created with MasterShip software inside AutoCAD in a way that they can directly be used in FEM programs like Ansys. Gaps and overlaps—especially the small level ones—will block this integration.

Oplossing

We aim to automate the upgrading of the 3D solid model so it will be suitable for direct use in FEM programs like Ansys.

Ervaring en Toekomst

Upon our experience in CAD developing software since 1986, we, MasterShip, are positive that we can handle this process in-house and develop 3D models out of our existing software, which will be a user-friendly model for the FEA environment.