F4E load transfer procedure among finite element models different in topology or in discretization

Abstract

In this paper, a methodology developed in Fusion for Energy (F4E) for interpolating mechanical loads both between compatible (i.e. from solid to solid models different in discretization) and incompatible (e.g. from solid models to shell/beam models) FE models is described. This novel procedure is able of transferring a force vector field (i.e. Lorentz forces) from a three-dimensional solid mesh (e.g. electromagnetic model) onto a target mesh (e.g. mechanical model), being it either three-dimensional solid or simplified beam/shell model. This interpolation procedure is developed with the aim of preserving both the global and local mechanical equilibrium of the system in terms of resultant of forces and overturning moments. The quality assessment of this procedure is based on the comparison between the global and local force and moment resultants of the source and the transferred load field. A few examples and their related results will be discussed in support of this methodology.