Abstract
The finite element method (FEM) has deservedly gained the reputation of the most powerful, highly efficient, and versatile numerical method in the field of structural analysis. Though typical application of FE programs implies the so-called “off-line” computations, the rapid pace of hardware development over the past couple of decades was the major impetus for numerous researchers to consider the possibility of real-time simulation based on FE models. Limitations of available hardware components in various phases of developments demanded remarkable innovativeness in the quest for suitable solutions to the challenge. Different approaches have been proposed depending on the demands of the specific field of application. Though it is still a relatively young field of work in global terms, an immense amount of work has already been done calling for a representative survey. This paper aims to provide such a survey, which of course cannot be exhaustive.
Highlights
Model building belongs to basic but most important engineering activities in which various options are explored to reach the solution that offers a compelling compromise between the computational effort and reached accuracy of performed simulations
Focusing on the field of structural analysis, the finite element method (FEM) has imposed itself as currently the most powerful tool that enables highly efficient modeling and simulation of structures characterized by complex geometry and exposed to arbitrary boundary and initial conditions
Upon its introduction to the field by Pentland and Williams [33], it was versatilely used for a number of tasks, including interactive simulation of deformable models with constraints such as collision [34] simulation of movements of trees exposed to turbulent wind [35], bone-based character animation for interactive simulations [36], etc
Summary
Model building belongs to basic but most important engineering activities in which various options are explored to reach the solution that offers a compelling compromise between the computational effort and reached accuracy of performed simulations This procedure has progressed from rather simple sketches in the sand, via manual computations and graphical solutions performed on the paper by means of simplified models, to high fidelity solutions performed on modern computers based on models of various levels of complexity and involving significant computational effort. The FEA computations are performed as “off-line” computations This practically implies a sequenced use of all three essential parts of a FEA program—a model is prepared in the preprocessor; the solver provides the solution of the problem with all required quantities; the postprocessor offers tools to observe and analyze the obtained solution. The term “real-time simulation” will be addressed together with various means to achieve it
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