Novel Isogeometric Analysis Based Automation of High-Fidelity Finite Element Analysis Model Creation from Computer Aided Design

There exists a gap today in the Computer Aided Design (CAD) technology that is used for designing parts and the Finite Element Method (FEM) technology that is used for engineering analysis. The CAD files are first generated and then are converted into appropriate input files for FEM. CAD and FEM use different mathematical representations of geometry and converting one form into another is a laborious and time consuming process. In this SBIR effort, TDA?s team and its university partner, University of Texas at Austin (Prof. T. J. R. Hughes and Prof. G. Rodin), will use a novel technique known as isogeometric analysis, first proposed by Prof. Hughes, to bridge the gap between CAD and FEM. In isogeometric analysis, the same basis functions are used to represent geometry and the solution space, and as a result, CAD and FEM can be effectively combined. An integrated framework will be developed where CAD modeling, isogeometric analysis and post-processing of results, will all be performed in a seamless manner. The focus will be towards creation of analysis suitable input files from CAD software or from reversed engineered parts, development of isogeometric finite/boundary element codes, and creation of output files viewable in a graphical post-processor.