Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

Information Technology
Information Technology
Estimating the Effect of Large Design Changes on Previously Computed Engineering Simulation Results
WARF: P06166US

Inventors: Krishnan Suresh, Sankara Hari Gopalakrishnan

The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing an efficient software modeling tool for prototype testing.
Overview
Virtual testing of a 3-D solid model is a time consuming part of product design before manufacturing. Engineers often use a software modeling tool called Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to speed up the process. A grid of nodes—called a mesh—that represent important features provides a representation of the product for virtual testing. However, any design changes that are incorporated require the entire mesh to be recreated.
The Invention
UW-Madison researchers have developed a method for modeling products that does not require re-meshing. Previous simulation results are used to estimate the effect of design changes. The result is a swift but accurate estimation of design changes on product performance.
Applications
  • Analysis of stress, buckling, thermal change, fatigue, fluid dynamics, simulated motion and vibration
Key Benefits
  • Provides an efficient software modeling tool for prototype testing
  • Allows users to test multiple design solutions in parallel
  • Design changes may be analyzed without repeating entire analysis
  • More widely applicable than current FEA methods
  • Applies adjoint theory
  • Allows exploration of many alternative designs
  • Bypasses re-meshing
  • Can provide cost estimation for machined parts
Additional Information
For More Information About the Inventors
For current licensing status, please contact Emily Bauer at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9842

WARF