Method of creating and analyzing active finite elements

• US 20030139911A1
• Filed: 01/22/2002
• Published: 07/24/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 01/22/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Original Assignee: Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Inventors: Tsui, Chi Pong, Tang, Chak Yin
• Granted Patent: US 7,096,166 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 703/2
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 30/23 using finite element methods [FEM] or finite difference methods [FDM]

Abstract

A method for studying and/or simulating mechanical properties of active structures applies a new type of element, namely active finite element through incorporation of a user-defined sub-programme into a conventional finite element code. The motion and stress-strain distribution of the active structure can be predicted using the finite element model that is constructed with the active finite elements. The active finite element is driven by a motor element that is activated by a mathematical function.

Claims

1. A method for creating active finite elements comprising the steps of:

a) constructing the active finite elements with a combinations of motor elements, dashpot elements and spring elements,

b) defining the motor element using a time series function, and

c) constructing a model with the active finite elements, and

d) analyzing the model using a finite element code.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said finite element code is a conventional code.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said finite elements are one-dimensional or two-dimensional or three-dimensional.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the shapes of said finite elements are linear, triangular, rectangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, decagonal, polygonal, tetrahedral, pentahedral hexahedral, octahedral, decahedral or polyhedral.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the types of said finite elements are solid continuum elements like bar, plane stress or plane strain elements, or structural elements like beam, plate, truss, membrane, shell or frame elements, or other special-purpose elements.