Computer graphics aided geometric modeling and mesh generation schemes for preprocessing and finite element analysis

The paper describes automated generation and editing schemes together with the development of computer-aided geometric models for general applications. For the construction of general finite element models of complex shapes, conventional approaches typical of wireframe, surface, or solid modeling cannot be effectively utilized for generating continuum solid models as well as discrete models simultaneously. In view of these facts, features to generate and model two-dimensional as well as threedimensional continuum and discrete models by isoparametric mapping/solid geometrical modeling techniques via a common interactive processor are described. The proposed scheme is demonstrated for modeling structural, thermal, or flow networks that are commonly encountered in engineering applications. In a research environment, the techniques addressed in this paper should prove to be very useful in providing flexibility and thereby significantly reducing the work load of frequent CAD users.