Feature Simplification in Surface Models for Efficient Finite Element Mesh Generation

Sheet metal components are typically modelled as freeform surface models. Finite element meshes generated automatically for such models have poor quality around small detailed features. These features need to be simplified in order to obtain an acceptable mesh. Simplification involves recognition of the feature and modification of its geometry or complete suppression of the feature. This paper proposes techniques to directly query the CAD data structure to recognise and suppress two basic features, viz. holes and fillets in freeform surface models. Results of a software implementation for the same are discussed with suitable examples.