The Automatic Generation of Finite Element Models for Different Analysis Levels

Abstract

Structural analysis of large scale structures like ship is usually carried out on the models of several different scale level, varying from whole ship, cargo hold parts and to the detail structures. Currently, the finite element models for different analysis level is generated from different geometric model, mainly because the unit geometry of mesh generation is different in each level of the analysis. In this study, a prototype system is developed that automatically generates finite element models for different analysis level from single ship geometry data.
For this purpose, two steps are taken. First is the construction of the database that includes the degree of detail for each product part and hierarchical structures of product parts. Second is the computation of intersections to produce the mesh generation part automatically from the product part.
As an example for demonstration of the present prototype system, input data formulations for different analysis scales are carried out on a 1/2 hold model of a tanker.