Real-Time Visualization of Finite Element Models Using Surrogate Modeling Methods

Parametric finite element analysis (FEA) models are commonly used in iterative design processes to obtain an optimum model given a set of loads, constraints, objectives, and design parameters to vary. In some instances, it is desirable for a designer to obtain some intuition about how changes in design parameters can affect the FEA solution of interest, before simply sending the model through the optimization loop. For example, designers who wish to explore the design space and understand how each variable changes the output in a visual way, looking at the whole model and not just numbers or a response surface of a single FEA node. This could be accomplished by running the FEA on the parametric model for a set of part family members, but this can be very time consuming and only gives snapshots of the model's real behavior. This paper presents a method of visualizing the FEA solution of the parametric model as design parameters are changed in real-time by approximating the FEA solution using parametric FEA modeling, surrogate modeling methods, and visualization methods. The implementation develops a parametric FEA mode that includes mesh morphing algorithms that allow the mesh to change parametrically along with the model geometry. This allows the surrogate models assigned to each individual node to use the nodal solution of multiple finite element analyses as regression points to approximate the FEA solution. The surrogate models can then be mapped to their respective geometric locations in real-time. The results of the FEA calculations are updated in real-time as the parameters of the design model change allowing real-time visualization.