Skip to main content

Finite-Element Analysis for the Naive User

  • Chapter

Abstract

The paper describes the role of mesh generation mediating between computer aided design and finite-element analysis. It illustrates one particular approach to mesh generation which reduces the need for mesh visualization and interaction. The method relies on engineering expertise to derive an appropriate test object for analysis from the geometric model. It then proceeds to generate an initial coarse mesh which may subsequently be refined to suit object geometry, material properties and load case specification. The method avoids the sensitive calculations necessary for adaptive methods and permits analysis at different levels of complexity and cost.

The paper introduces the recent developments within the BUILD geometric modeler, a product of the University of Cambridge Computer and Engineering Departments. In particular, the application program for finite-element mesh generation, together with its underlying algorithms, is described in detail.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. F. A. Akyus, S. Utku, “An Automatic Node-Relabeling Scheme for Band-Width Minimization of Stiffness Matrices,” AIAA Journal, Vol. 6, No. 4, April 1968, pp. 728–730.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. D. K. Allan, “Classification and Coding,” Monograph No. 2, Brigham Young University, Provo Utah, 1978.

    Google Scholar 

  3. A. P. Armit, “Computer Systems for Interactive Design of Three-Dimensional Shapes,” Ph.D. Dissertation, Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, 1970.

    Google Scholar 

  4. I. Babuska, W. C. Rheinboldt, “A Survey of A Posteriori Error Estimates and Adaptive Approaches in the Finite Element Method,” Technical Note BN-981, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, 1982.

    Google Scholar 

  5. B. G. Baumgart, “Winged Edge Polyhedron Representation,” Computer Science Department Report No. STAN-CS-320, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 1972.

    Google Scholar 

  6. M. Biederman, I. Babuska, “The Finite Element Method for Parabolic Equations, A Posteriori Error Estimators and Adaptive Approaches,” Technical Note BN-983/4, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, 1982.

    Google Scholar 

  7. I. C. Braid, “The Synthesis of Solids Bounded by Many Faces,” Communications of the ACM, Vol. 18, No. 4, April 1975, pp. 209–216.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. I. C. Braid, “Notes on a Geometric Modeler,” CAD Group Document 101, Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, 1979.

    Google Scholar 

  9. I. C. Braid, “Geometric Modeling — Ten Years On,” CAD Group Document 103, Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, 1979.

    Google Scholar 

  10. I. C. Braid, R. C. Hillyard, “Geometric Modeling in Algol 68,” CAD Group Document 92, Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, 1977.

    Google Scholar 

  11. O. Egeland, P. O. Araldsen, “Sesam-69—A General Purpose Finite Element Method Program,” Computers amp; Structures, Vol. 4, January 1974, pp. 41–68.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. A. R. Forrest, “Curves and Surfaces for Computer-Aided Design,” Ph.D. Dissertation, Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, 1969.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Gill 1972]

    Google Scholar 

  14. J. I. Gill, “Computer-Aided Design of Shell Structures Using the Finite Element Method,” Ph.D. Dissertation. Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, 1972.

    Google Scholar 

  15. R. Hillyard, “Dimensions and Tolerances in Shape Design,” Ph.D. Dissertation, Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, 1978.

    Google Scholar 

  16. L. K. Kyprianou, “Shape Classification in Computer-Aided Design,” Ph.D. Dissertation, Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, 1980.

    Google Scholar 

  17. R. Leyvraz, “Iterative Generation of Optimal Triangular Grids for the Solution of 2-Dimensional Field Problems,” Proceedings of COMPUMAG (Oxford, England, March 31-April 2, 1976 ), Rutherford Laboratories, SRC, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon., England, 1976.

    Google Scholar 

  18. A. A. G. Requicha, H. B. Voelcker, “Constructive Solid Geometry,” Technical Memo No. 25, Production Automation Project, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, 1977.

    Google Scholar 

  19. B. J. Solomon, “Surface Intersections for Solid Modeling,” Ph.D. Dissertation, Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, 1983.

    Google Scholar 

  20. G. Stiny, Pictorial and Formal Aspects of Shape and Shape Grammars, Birkhauser Verlag, Basel, Switzerland, 1975.

    Google Scholar 

  21. G. Stiny, “Ice Ray: A Note on the Generation of Chinese Lattice Designs,” Environment and Planning B, Vol. 4, No. 1, June 1977, pp. 89–99.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. B. J. Szabo, I. Babuska, “Stress Approximation by the h- and p-Version of the Finite Element Method,” Report WV/CCM-82/1, Center for Computational Mathematics, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, 1982.

    Google Scholar 

  23. T. Varady, “An Experimental System for Interactive Design and Manufacture of Sculptured Surfaces,” Computers in Industry, Vol. 3, Nos. 1 and 2, March and June 1982, pp. 125–135.

    Google Scholar 

  24. B. Wördenweber, “Automatic Mesh Generation of 2- and 3-Dimensional Curvilinear Manifolds,” Ph.D. Dissertation (available as Computer Laboratory Technical Report No. 18 ), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, 1981.

    Google Scholar 

  25. B. Wördenweber, “Finite-Element Mesh Generation from Geometric Models,” COMPEL, International Journal for Computation and Mathematics in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Vol. 1, No. 4, 1983, pp. 23–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. B. Wördenweber, “Surface Triangulation for Picture Production,” IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications, Vol. 3, No. 8, November 1983, pp. 45–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. B. Wördenweber, “Finite Element Mesh Generation,” accepted for publication, Computer Aided Design Journal, 1984.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1984 Plenum Press, New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Wördenweber, B. (1984). Finite-Element Analysis for the Naive User. In: Pickett, M.S., Boyse, J.W. (eds) Solid Modeling by Computers. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2811-7_4

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2811-7_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-9730-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-2811-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics