T-spline Finite Element Method Integrated with CAD

CAD 와의 연동을 고려한 T-스플라인 유한요소해석

Recently, the new finite element method which uses NURBS as shape functions was proposed. It is very promising because it can directly use CAD data to describe geometry and discretize problem domain. In this case, CAE models are not approximated but represent exact geometry. So, it can contribute to more accurate results. In addition, it can greatly reduce CAE costs in that simulation models don't have to be made up independently. But in spite of these advantages, the method using NURBS have also some disadvantages. NURBS surface cannot be refined locally. T-splines are recently developed surface modeling technique. A T-spline surface is a NURBS surface with T-junctions and is defined by a control grid called T-mesh. The T-junctions enable T-spline surfaces to be refined locally. That is, it is possible to add a single control point to a T-spline control grid without propagating an entire row or column of control points and without altering the surface. In this research, the finite element analysis using T-splines is studied. In this analysis, CAD data are used directly for engineering analysis. Some problems with complex geometry are solved. And the results will be compared with ones of conventional FEM.