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Interactive computer graphic preprocessing for three‐dimensional finite element analysis
Author(s) -
Perucchio Renato,
Ingraffea Anthony R.,
Abel John F.
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
international journal for numerical methods in engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.421
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1097-0207
pISSN - 0029-5981
DOI - 10.1002/nme.1620180608
Subject(s) - polygon mesh , computer science , computer graphics (images) , finite element method , preprocessor , computer graphics , flexibility (engineering) , engineering drawing , algorithm , computational science , computer vision , mathematics , engineering , statistics , structural engineering
An interactive computer graphic system has been developed for generating and editing three‐dimensional finite element meshes. The various difficulties inherent to the generation of solid three‐dimensional geometries through an effective use of computer graphic techniques are examined to explain the advantages of this system. The method is a combination of discrete transfinite mapping and cubic spline blending algorithms, used, respectively, to create plane cross‐sectional meshes, and to generate the three‐dimensional geometry by interpolaring between the cross‐sections. The communication between analyst and machine is based on a digitizing tablet and a refresh vector scope. The dynamic viewing capabilities and depth cueing of the vector display greatly enhance the perception of the mesh three‐dimensionality. Multi‐view dynamic display is also employed to facilitate node or element selection. The flexibility and usefulness of the system are illustrated with the help of three examples of practical interest.