Method and apparatus for generating a mesh for finite element analysis
First Claim
1. Apparatus for generating a mesh of elements for finite element analysis of an object, comprising:
- means for defining the object geometry in terms of points;
means for generating bounding points around the object; and
means for generating from the bounding points and object points a mesh of elements.
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Abstract
The method of mesh generation comprises a two-step automatic process that requires no user input once a geometric representation of the object has been provided to the apparatus. In the method, the object geometry is first defined in terms of object (subdomain) points, wherein each subdomain is a separate geometric region of the object such as a printed circuit board, a hole in the board, and a component mounted on the board. Bounding points defining a frame around the object geometry are then generated for producing a mesh consisting of at least one element. From the object points and the bounding points an initial mesh of elements is automatically generated according to a unique algorithm. In the second step of the process, each element in this mesh is then individually examined to determine if it meets a predetermined standard of acceptability and, if not, is refined. This process step employs a rule-based expert system to add additional points to the mesh at automatically determined locations for further mesh generation according to the unique algorithm employed. The steps of refinement repeat until each element in the mesh meets the acceptability standard or is considered no longer refinable.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. Apparatus for generating a mesh of elements for finite element analysis of an object, comprising:
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means for defining the object geometry in terms of points; means for generating bounding points around the object; and means for generating from the bounding points and object points a mesh of elements. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. Apparatus for generating a mesh of elements for finite element analysis of an object, comprising:
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means for defining the object geometry in terms of points; means for generating from the object points an initial mesh; and means responsive to the initial mesh for refining each element that fails to meet a predetermined standard of acceptability.
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4. A method of generating a mesh of elements for finite element analysis of an object, comprising:
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defining the object geometry in terms of points; generating bounding points around the object geometry for producing a mesh with an element; generating from the bounding points and object points a mesh of elements; and refining each element that fails to meet a predetermined standard for acceptability. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification