Efficient Finite Element Mesh Mapping Using Octree Indexing

Abstract

Modern manufacturing involves multiple stages of complex process chains where Finite Element Analysis is frequently used as a simulation method on a discretized mesh to provide an accurate estimation of factors such as stresses, strains, and displacements. The choice of the most suitable element type and density is dependent on the individual manufacturing process or treatment applied at each stage of the process chain. To map between unalike Finite Element meshes, differing in density and/or element type, an Octree spatial index was evaluated as a solution for highly performant mapping. Compared to existing solutions, the Octree spatial index introduces parallelism within index creation and provides a strategy to perform the most complex interpolation technique, Element Shape Function, in a more computationally efficient manner.