Investigations on visualization and interaction of ship structure multidisciplinary finite element analysis data for virtual environment. (15th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Chuntong; Wei, Pengyu; Wang, Deyu
• Is Part Of: Ocean engineering. Volume 266(2022) Part 3
• Publication Date: 2022-12-15
• Subjects: Ship structure -- Multidiscipline -- Finite element analysis data -- Scientific visualization -- Virtual reality; Ocean engineering -- Periodicals; Ocean engineering; Periodicals; 620.4162
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2022.112955
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-8018

Abstract

Abstract: Although the extraction and sharing of important data in the finite element model (FEM) and analysis data is particularly significant in the ship structure collaborative design process, the efficiency of sharing finite element analysis (FEA) data using a standardized neutral format is still relatively low, which is attributed to the format that has to accommodate various data types generated by different commercial computer aided engineering (CAE) software and multidisciplinary analysis applications. Aiming to solve the problem of efficient visualization and sharing of heterogeneous FEA data in ship structure collaborative design and review, we proposed a new FEA data visualization framework for virtual environments (VE) to realize multidisciplinary data sharing in the collaborative design process, where only essential finite element (FE) information is stored to reduce the weight of the model and analysis data. In addition, the visualizing results can be updated in response to the modification of the model geometry and simulation variables. Furthermore, we implemented a general system based on our data framework. To maximize the efficiency of managing multidisciplinary data (statics, dynamics, ultimate strength), the system adopts a client/server (C/S) architecture and hierarchical management of data structures. The virtual visualization of these complex FEA data effectively enhances the efficiency of scientific communication, model evaluation and validation, and interdisciplinary discussion of research findings. Eventually, examples from commercial CAE software are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and versatility of the system. Highlights: Investigation of ship structural behavior by using finite element analysis data interaction in virtual reality. We design a sharable finite element analysis data architecture containing only essential information. A strategy for lightweight and virtual visualization of finite element analysis data is proposed. Intuitive data exploration through slicing, clipping and manipulating finite element analysis results. We design a sharable finite element analysis format containing only essential information.