SOLIDGEN: A Solid Finite Element Data Generator - User's Manual

摘要

SOLIDGEN is a computer program for generating finite element models of three-dimensional solid objects from descriptions of their external surfaces. SOLIDGEN's ease of use, power, and generality stem from the use of GPRIME surfaces to describe the surfaces of the object being modeled. GPRIME is an interactive software package which has facilities for defining a wide variety of curves and surfaces through its own geometric language. The GPRIME surface descriptions are stored in data base which is accessible to SOLIDGEN. SOLIDGEN uses those GPRIME surfaces by simply referring to their symbolic names. The most important step in modeling a solid object is to visualize the subdivision of the object into volumes called 'zones'. The subdivision of each zone into finite elements is controlled by specifying sets of reference surfaces. Isoparametric shape functions are used to obtain the coordinates of the generated grid points. The elements generated are always brick elements. Several element formats are available, including a 'general connection element'. Users can easily create brick elements with formats suited to their own needs from the information provided in the general connection element. SOLIDGEN is currently operational on CDC-6000 Series computers. This document describes the capabilities of SOLIDGEN, tells how to use the program and describes work in progress.