Systems, methods and computer program products for constructing complex geometries using layered and linked hexahedral element meshes

Abstract

Systems, methods and computer program products for creating 3D representations of bodies are disclosed. The systems, methods and computer program products include the construction of FE meshes representing complex geometries. The complex geometries may be artificially or naturally formed or designed geometries. The techniques reduce the number of elements as much as possible to save on computer run time while maintaining computational accuracy.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of performing in a computer a finite element analysis of a body, comprising:
 providing a 3D map or representation of the body;   creating a finite element mesh representation of the body by the steps   comprising:
 dividing the body into slices; and 
 creating elements within the slices, wherein adjacent layers of elements are connected by common nodes; 
   performing an action based on the created finite element mesh representation selected from a group consisting essentially of analysis, design and fabrication.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the action is fabricating a part based on the finite element mesh representation. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the part is fabricated by a technique selected from a group consisting of 3D printing, machining, casting and molding. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 creating layers of an outer body around the body.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the action is analysis of the body by selectively removing the layers. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the action is analysis, and the analysis is a creep determination of the body. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the body is a salt geological formation surrounding a subterranean cavity. 
     
     
         8 . A computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium, wherein executed by a process, the computer program product configured to:
 create a finite element mesh representation of a body by the steps   comprising:
 dividing the body into slices; and 
 creating elements within the slices, wherein adjacent layers of elements are connected by common nodes; 
   wherein the finite element mesh representation of the body is analyzed by a processor.   
     
     
         9 . The computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 8 , wherein the body is analyzed to determine creep, stress, stain, and fatigue.