Convergence Characteristics of Geometrically Accurate Spatial Finite Elements

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Tinsley ◽  
Ahmed A. Shabana
Keyword(s):  
Finite Elements ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Eigenvalue Analysis ◽  
Reference Configuration ◽  
Position Vector ◽  
B Spline ◽  
Split Method ◽  
Stiffness Matrices ◽  
General Continuum ◽  
Aided Design

Abstract The convergence characteristics of three geometrically accurate spatial finite elements (FEs) are examined in this study using an eigenvalue analysis. The spatial beam, plate, and solid elements considered in this investigation are suited for both structural and multibody system (MBS) applications. These spatial elements are based on geometry derived from the kinematic description of the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF). In order to allow for an accurate reference-configuration geometry description, the element shape functions are formulated using constant geometry coefficients defined using the position-vector gradients in the reference configuration. The change in the position-vector gradients is used to define a velocity transformation matrix that leads to constant element inertia and stiffness matrices in the case of infinitesimal rotations. In contrast to conventional structural finite elements, the elements considered in this study can be used to describe the initial geometry with the same degree of accuracy as B-spline and nonuniform rational B-spline (NURBS) representations, widely used in the computer-aided design (CAD). An eigenvalue analysis is performed to evaluate the element convergence characteristics in the case of different geometries, including straight, tapered, and curved configurations. The frequencies obtained are compared with those obtained using a commercial FE software and analytical solutions. The stiffness matrix is obtained using both the general continuum mechanics (GCM) approach and the newly proposed strain split method (SSM) in order to investigate its effectiveness as a locking alleviation technique.

Definition of ANCF Finite Elements

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed A. Shabana
Keyword(s):  
Finite Elements ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Displacement Vector ◽  
Solution Procedure ◽  
Position Vector ◽  
Algebraic Equations ◽  
Nodal Coordinates ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Isoparametric Finite Elements ◽  
Aided Design

Since the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) was introduced, a large number of fully parametrized and gradient deficient finite elements were developed. Some of the finite elements (FE) proposed do not fall into the ANCF category, and for this reason, this technical brief describes the general requirements for ANCF finite elements. As discussed in this paper, some of the conventional isoparametric finite elements can describe arbitrary rigid body displacements and can be used with a nonincremental solution procedure. Nonetheless, these isoparametric elements, particularly the ones that employ position coordinates only, are of the C0 type and do not ensure the continuity of the position vector gradients. It is also shown that the position vector gradient continuity conditions can be described using homogeneous algebraic equations, and such conditions are different from those conditions that govern the displacement vector gradients. The use of the displacement vector gradients as nodal coordinates does not allow for an isoparametric representation that accounts for both the initial geometry and displacements using one kinematic description, can make the element assembly more difficult, and can complicate imposing linear algebraic constraint equations at a preprocessing stage. Understanding the ANCF geometric description will allow for the development of new mechanics-based computer-aided design (CAD)/analysis systems as briefly discussed in this paper.

Development of Geometrically Accurate Continuum-Based Tire Models for Virtual Testing

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emanuele Grossi ◽  
Chintan J. Desai ◽  
Ahmed A. Shabana
Keyword(s):  
Large Deformation ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Small Deformation ◽  
Mode Shapes ◽  
Position Vector ◽  
Split Method ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Aided Design ◽  
Geometry Analysis ◽  
Tire Models

Abstract In this paper, an approach based on the integration of computer-aided design and analysis (I-CAD-A) is used to develop new continuum-based finite element (FE) tire models for the small and large deformation analyses. Based on given tire specifications, the mechanics-based geometry/analysis absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) is used to define the tire geometry with the same degree of accuracy as B-splines and nonuniform rational B-spline (NURBS), widely used in the computer-aided design (CAD) systems. In the case of large deformations, the ANCF geometry can be used directly as the analysis mesh without the need for conversion or adjustments. In order to define the material parameters that characterize the ANCF tire composite structure, a virtual test rig is developed, and the tire calibration process is performed according to the standards defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). In order to develop small-deformation models that can be used in the prediction of the tire frequencies and mode shapes, the ANCF position vector gradients are consistently written in terms of rotation parameters, leading to geometrically accurate floating frame of reference (FFR) finite elements, referred to as ANCF/FFR elements. Using this mechanics-based geometry/analysis approach, new geometrically accurate reduced-order tire models are systematically developed and used to define vibration equations for the prediction of the tire frequencies, which are verified using a commercial FE software. The element stiffness matrix is calculated using the general continuum mechanics approach (GCM), and the effectiveness of the strain split method (SSM) for locking alleviation is tested. The results obtained in this investigation show that the I-CAD-A tire modeling approach can be used to develop geometrically accurate tire models suited for the large-deformation multibody system (MBS) problems as well as for the prediction of the tire frequencies and mode shapes.

Fine Tuning of Rational B-Spline Motions

1998 ◽  
Vol 120 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. N. Srinivasan ◽  
Q. Jeffrey Ge
Keyword(s):  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Smoothing Algorithm ◽  
Third Order ◽  
B Spline ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Geometric Discontinuities ◽  
Aided Design ◽  
Three Space

This paper presents two algorithms for fine-tuning rational B-spline motions suitable for Computer Aided Design. The problem of fine-tuning of rational motions is studied as that of fine-tuning rational curves in a projective dual three-space, called the image curves. The path-smoothing algorithm automatically detects and smoothes out the third order geometric discontinuities in the path of a cubic rational B-spline image curve. The speed-smoothing algorithm uses a quintic rational spline image curve to obtain a second-order geometric approximation of the path of a cubic rational B-spline image curve while allowing specification of the speed and the rate of change of speed at the key points to obtain a near constant kinetic energy parameterization. The results have applications in Cartesian trajectory planning in robotics, spatial navigation in visualization and virtual reality systems, as well as mechanical system simulation.

Filling N-Sided Holes With Trimmed B-Spline Surfaces Based on Energy-Minimization Method

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaodong Liu
Keyword(s):  
Energy Minimization ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Control Points ◽  
Minimization Method ◽  
B Spline ◽  
Spline Surface ◽  
Spline Surfaces ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Complex Constraints ◽  
Aided Design

Using a trimmed rectangular B-Spline surface to fill an n-sided hole is a much desired operation in computer aided design (CAD), but few papers have addressed this issue. Based on an energy-minimization or variational B-Spline technique, the paper presents the technique of using one single trimmed rectangular B-Spline surface to fill an n-sided hole. The method is efficient and robust, and takes a fraction of a second to fill n-sided holes with high-quality waterproof B-Spline surfaces under complex constraints. As the foundation of filling n-sided holes, the paper also presents the framework and addresses the key issues on variational B-Spline technique. Without any precalculation, the variational B-Spline technique discussed in this paper can solve virtually any B-Spline surface with up to 20,000 control points in real time, which is much more efficient and powerful than previous work in the variational B-Spline field. Moreover, the result is accurate and satisfies CAD systems' high-precision requirements.

Curve and Surface Representation by Iterative B-Spline Fit to a Data Point Set

1987 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilyn Lord
Keyword(s):  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Control Point ◽  
The Body ◽  
B Spline ◽  
B Splines ◽  
Spline Surface ◽  
Data Points ◽  
Point Set ◽  
Support Surfaces ◽  
Aided Design

The method of B-splines provides a very powerful way of representing curves and curved surfaces. The definition is ideally suited to applications in Computer Aided Design (CAD) where the designer is required to remodel the surface by reference to interactive graphics. This particular facility can be advantageous in CAD of body support surfaces, such as design of sockets of limb prostheses, shoe insoles, and custom seating. The B-spline surface is defined by a polygon of control points which in general do not lie on the surface, but which form a convex hull enclosing the surface. Each control point can be adjusted to remodel the surface locally. The resultant curves are well behaved. However, in these biomedical applications the original surface prior to modification is usually defined by a limited set of point measurements from the body segment in question. Thus there is a need initially to define a B-spline surface which interpolates this set of data points. In this paper, a computer-iterative method of fitting a B-spline surface to a given set of data points is outlined, and the technique is demonstrated for a curve. Extension to a surface is conceptually straightforward.

Fine Tuning of Rational B-Splines Motions

1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lakshmi N. Srinivasan ◽  
Q. Jeffrey Ge
Keyword(s):  
Kinetic Energy ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Image Space ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Smoothing Algorithm ◽  
B Spline ◽  
Spline Curves ◽  
Aided Design ◽  
Spatial Kinematics

Abstract This paper presents two algorithms for fine-tuning rational spatial motions suitable for Computer Aided Design. The rational motions are represented by rational B-spline curves in a projective dual three-space known as the Image Space of Spatial Kinematics. The problem of fine-tuning of rational motions is studied as that of fine-tuning the corresponding rational curves in the Image Space called the image curves. The path-smoothing algorithm automatically detects and smoothes out the third order geometric discontinuities in the path of a cubic rational Bspline image curve. The speed-smoothing algorithm uses a quintic rational spline image curve to obtain a second-order geometric approximation of the path of a cubic rational B-spline image curve while allowing specification of the speed and the rate of change of speed at the key points to obtain a near constant kinetic energy parametrization. The notion of kinetic energy is used in the paper as a natural way of combining the rotational and translational speed of a spatial motion. The results have applications in trajectory generation in robotics, planing of camera movement, spatial navigation in visualization and virtual reality systems, as well as mechanical system simulation.

Review on Non Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS): Concept and Optimization

2014 ◽  
Vol 903 ◽  
pp. 338-343
Author(s):  
Ali Munira ◽  
Nur Najmiyah Jaafar ◽  
Abdul Aziz Fazilah ◽  
Z. Nooraizedfiza
Keyword(s):  
Image Processing ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
B Spline ◽  
B Splines ◽  
Curves And Surfaces ◽  
Geometry Design ◽  
Nurbs Curves ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Aided Design

This paper is to provide literature review of the Non Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) formulation in the curve and surface constructions. NURBS curves and surfaces have a wide application in Computer Aided Geometry Design (CAGD), Computer Aided Design (CAD), image processing and etc. The formulation of NURBS showing that NURBS curves and surfaces requires three important parameters in controlling the curve and also modifying the shape of the curves and surfaces. Yet, curves and surfaces fitting are still the major problems in the geometrical modeling. With this, the researches that have been conducted in optimizing the parameters in order to construct the intended curves and surfaces are highlighted in this paper.

Ideal Compliant Joints and Integration of Computer Aided Design and Analysis

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashraf M. Hamed ◽  
Paramsothy Jayakumar ◽  
Michael D. Letherwood ◽  
David J. Gorsich ◽  
Antonio M. Recuero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Algebraic Equations ◽  
B Spline ◽  
Constraint Equations ◽  
Compliant Joints ◽  
Linear Algebraic Equations ◽  
Dependent Variables ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Aided Design

This paper discusses fundamental issues related to the integration of computer aided design and analysis (I-CAD-A) by introducing a new class of ideal compliant joints that account for the distributed inertia and elasticity. The absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) degrees of freedom are used in order to capture modes of deformation that cannot be captured using existing formulations. The ideal compliant joints developed can be formulated, for the most part, using linear algebraic equations, allowing for the elimination of the dependent variables at a preprocessing stage, thereby significantly reducing the problem dimension and array storage needed. Furthermore, the constraint equations are automatically satisfied at the position, velocity, and acceleration levels. When using the proposed approach to model large scale chain systems, differences in computational efficiency between the augmented formulation and the recursive methods are eliminated, and the CPU times resulting from the use of the two formulations become similar regardless of the complexity of the system. The elimination of the joint constraint equations and the associated dependent variables also contribute to the solution of a fundamental singularity problem encountered in the analysis of closed loop chains and mechanisms by eliminating the need to repeatedly change the chain or mechanism independent coordinates. It is shown that the concept of the knot multiplicity used in computational geometry methods, such as B-spline and NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline), to control the degree of continuity at the breakpoints is not suited for the formulation of many ideal compliant joints. As explained in this paper, this issue is closely related to the inability of B-spline and NURBS to model structural discontinuities. Another contribution of this paper is demonstrating that large deformation ANCF finite elements can be effective, in some MBS application, in solving small deformation problems. This is demonstrated using a heavily constrained tracked vehicle with flexible link chains. Without using the proposed approach, modeling such a complex system with flexible links can be very challenging. The analysis presented in this paper also demonstrates that adding significant model details does not necessarily imply increasing the complexity of the MBS algorithm.

Computer-Aided Design With Spatial Rational B-Spline Motions

1996 ◽  
Vol 118 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Ju¨ttler ◽  
M. G. Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Computer Animation ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Control Structure ◽  
Basic Theory ◽  
Linear Control ◽  
Geometry Processing ◽  
B Spline ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Interpolation Techniques ◽  
Aided Design

Using rational motions it is possible to apply many fundamental B-spline techniques to the design of motions. The present paper summarizes the basic theory of rational motions and introduces a linear control structure for piecewise rational motions suitable for geometry processing. Moreover it provides algorithms for the calculation of the surface which is swept out by a moving polyhedron and examines interpolation techniques. The methods presented in this paper can be applied to various problems in computer animation as well as in robotics.

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