Preprocessors for Finite Element Method meshes generation for the case of large strains

Abstract

The description of algorithms and software for Finite Element Method data preprocessing, which is designed for solution the problems of Solid Mechanics, is presented. Three dimensional Finite Element models for prismatic solids are regarded. For the case of large strains the arbitrary Lagrange-Euler approach is used. Two approaches which are realized in separate program unit are presented. Both of them are based on preliminary two-dimensional triangulation of the areas with complex shape. The first approach bases on the figure triangulation with use of triangles with optional shape, the second demands uniform mesh with rectangular triangles. The algorithms for meshing of material and additional ‘air’ areas with simultaneous generation of elements are regarded. The procedures of the generation of elements groups and their integration into the model are presented. The code design strategy with description of entity-relationship diagram is discussed. The graphical user interface for the data preprocessing including the matrix of index and co-ordinates array is described, the procedure of user’s actions is presented. The program realization of above described algorithms was done by use of programming language Python. The examples of mesh building with information of each stage of meshing for models of different shape are presented.