Automatic Mesh Generation for Three-Dimensional Structures Consisting of Free-Form Surfaces

자유 곡면으로 구성되는 3차원 구조물에 대한 자동 요소 분할

This paper describes an automatic finite element(FE) mesh generation for three-dimensional structures consisting of free-form surfaces. This mesh generation process consists of three subprocesses: (a) definition of geometric model, i.e. analysis model, (b) generation of nodes, and (c) generation of elements. One of commercial solid modelers is employed for three-dimensional solid and shell structures. Node is generated if its distance from existing node points is similar to the node spacing function at the point. The node spacing function is well controlled by the fuzzy knowledge processing. The Delaunay method is introduced as a basic tool for element generation. Automatic generation of FE meshes for three-dimensional solid and shell structures holds great benefits for analyses. Practical performances of the present system are demonstrated through several mesh generations for three-dimensional complex geometry.