CLIAMS:1. A computer implemented method for automating input data reviewing of a structural analysis model, the method comprising the steps of:

generating a structural analysis model using engineering simulation software, wherein the generated structural analysis model is keyed in with the input data using a plurality of modules;

automating the process of checking the input data of structural analysis model using a plurality of add-on programs;

generating a markup language file with hyperlinks to graphic and text output.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of add-on programs comprises a plurality of command files involved in the plurality of modules.

3. A system comprising:

a data preparation unit for:

generating a structural analysis model using engineering simulation software, wherein the generated structural analysis model is keyed in with the input data using a plurality of modules;

automating the process of checking the input data of structural analysis model using a plurality of add-on programs;

generating a markup language file with hyperlinks to graphic and text output

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the data preparation unit comprises a geometry logic to check whether the generated structural analysis model is depicting the original structure of the component and generate a markup language file with text and graphical outputs of geometric entities.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the data preparation unit comprises finite element logic to check whether the finite elements considered are consistent with structural analysis model and generate a markup language file with text and graphical outputs.

6. The system of claim 3, wherein the data preparation unit comprises material property logic to generate a markup language file with graphical outputs for the materials characterized by predefined material properties that are temperature dependent and involved in the generation of the structural analysis model at predefined temperatures.

7. The system of claim 3, wherein the data preparation unit comprises a mesh correctness logic configured to check whether the input element data matches to the original structure of the component and generate a markup language file with a plurality of graphics of the full mesh and subsets based on element type, element attributes and material specification.

8. The system of claim 3, wherein the data preparation unit comprises mesh quality logic configured to check mesh quality and the nodal connectivity of a finite element mesh such that there should be no coincident key points, lines, areas, nodes and elements that are separate physical entities unless they are contact regions and generate a markup language file with text and graphical outputs.

9. The system of claim 3, wherein the data preparation unit comprises displacement constraint logic configured to generate a markup language file with text and graphical outputs that indicate the displacement constraints of the input data.

10. The system of claim 3, wherein the data preparation unit comprises multipoint constraint logic to generate a markup language file with text and graphical outputs relating to the specified constraint equations.

11. The system of claim 3, wherein the data preparation unit comprises mechanical load logic configured to generate a markup language file with text and graphical outputs indicating the location, magnitude and direction of the point loads and pressure forces.

12. The system of claim 3, wherein the data preparation unit comprises body force logic configured to generate a markup language file with text outputs of the predefined load cases where the loads are proportional to the volume or mass of the structure.

13. The system of claim 3, wherein the data preparation unit comprises thermal load logic configured to generate contours of predefined temperatures for different load cases and generate a markup language file with text and graphical outputs.

14. The system of claim 3, wherein the data preparation unit comprises contact logic, configured to check whether the contact pair between two structurally independent components which may come into contact depending on load application are correctly modelled and generate a markup language file with text and graphical outputs.

15. The system of claim 3, wherein the data preparation unit comprises solution option logic with an algorithm that instructs about the type of analysis to be performed and solution options selected for the analysis and generate a markup language file with text and graphical outputs. ,TagSPECI:TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of engineering simulation tools. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to method and system for automating input data review of a structural analysis model.

BACKGROUND

[002] Advances in the field of computer aided engineering during the last two decades have been quite extensive and have led to considerable benefits to many engineering industries. The effects of loads on physical structures and their components are determined using structural analysis. Traditionally structural analysis is being carried out by the finite element analysis. For a given conceptual model, the input data will be different for different programs. So the data is prepared by the engineers and the task involves translation of the conceptual model into appropriate numerical data consistent with the program architecture. This is done either by way of externally generated data files or through interactive graphics (GUI) available within the program.

[003] However, generation of the model is enabled by predefined parameters of geometry and materials. Furthermore, checking of the model is undertaken manually. There can be mismatch between the model and the numerical data. This is often due to human errors and moreover manual checking can be time-consuming and the other oversights which cannot be ruled out.

[004] In the light of aforementioned discussion there exists a need for a system and method that would ameliorate or overcome the above mentioned disadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[005] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding to the reader. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and it does not identify key/critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[006] According to an exemplary aspect, a computer implemented method for automating input data reviewing of a structural analysis model is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of generating a structural analysis model using engineering simulation software, wherein the generated structural analysis model is keyed in with the input data using a plurality of modules. The method further includes automating the process of checking the input data of structural analysis model using a plurality of add-on programs and generating a markup language file with hyperlinks to graphic and text output.

[007] According to an exemplary aspect, the plurality of add-on programs comprises a plurality of command files involved in the plurality of modules.

[008] According to an exemplary aspect, a system comprising a data preparation unit for generating a structural analysis model using engineering simulation software, wherein the generated structural analysis model is keyed in with the input data using a plurality of modules. The system further includes automating the process of checking the input data of structural analysis model using a plurality of add-on programs and generating a markup language file with hyperlinks to graphic and text output.

[009] According to an exemplary aspect, the data preparation unit comprises geometry logic to check whether the generated structural analysis model is depicting the original structure of the component and generates a markup language file with text and graphical outputs of geometric entities.

[010] According to an exemplary aspect, the data preparation unit comprises finite element logic to check whether the finite elements considered are consistent with structural analysis model and generates a markup language file with text and graphical outputs.

[011] According to an exemplary aspect, the data preparation unit comprises material property logic to generate a markup language file with graphical outputs for the materials characterized by predefined material properties that are temperature dependent and involved in the generation of the structural analysis model at predefined temperatures.

[012] According to an exemplary aspect, the data preparation unit comprises a mesh correctness logic configured to check whether the input element data matches to the original structure of the component and generate a markup language file with a plurality of graphics of the full mesh and subsets based on element type, element attributes and material specification.

[013] According to an exemplary aspect, the data preparation unit comprises mesh quality logic configured to check mesh quality and the nodal connectivity of a finite element mesh such that there should be no coincident key points, lines, areas, nodes and elements that are separate physical entities unless they are contact regions and generate a markup language file with text and graphical outputs.

[014] According to an exemplary aspect, the data preparation unit comprises displacement constraint logic configured to generate a markup language file with text and graphical outputs that indicate the displacement constraints of the input data.

[015] According to an exemplary aspect, the data preparation unit comprises multipoint constraint logic to generate a markup language file with text and graphical outputs relating to the specified constraint equations.

[016] According to an exemplary aspect, the data preparation unit comprises mechanical load logic configured to generate a markup language file with text and graphical outputs indicating the location, magnitude and direction of the point loads and pressure forces.

[017] According to an exemplary aspect, the data preparation unit comprises body force logic configured to generate a markup language file with text outputs of the predefined load cases where the loads are proportional to the volume or mass of the structure.

[018] According to an exemplary aspect, the data preparation unit comprises thermal load logic configured to generate contours of predefined temperatures for different load cases and generate a markup language file with text and graphical outputs.

[019] According to an exemplary aspect, the data preparation unit comprises contact logic, configured to check whether the contact pair between two structurally independent components which may come into contact depending on load application are correctly modelled and generate a markup language file with text and graphical outputs.

[020] According to an exemplary aspect, the data preparation unit comprises solution option logic with an algorithm that instructs about the type of analysis to be performed and solution options selected for the analysis and generate a markup language file with text and graphical outputs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[021] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals have been used to designate like elements, and wherein:

[022] FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting a system for automated checking and reviewing input data of a structural analysis model, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[023] FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting the modules involved in the preparation of input data, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[024] FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting the system 102, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[025] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram depicting the method for automated checking and review system for input data of a structural analysis model, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[026] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram depicting the process for automating the checking and review system for input data of a structural analysis model, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[027] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[028] The use of “including”, “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Further, the use of terms “first”, “second”, and “third”, and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.

[029] According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method and system for automating the input data review system of a structural analysis model are disclosed.

[030] Referring to FIG. 1 is a diagram 100 depicting a system for automated checking and reviewing input data of a structural analysis model, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The present invention may be implemented in a computing device 104 and system 102 connected over a network 106. The network 106 may include, but not limited to, an Ethernet, a local area network (LAN), or a wide area network (WAN), e.g., the Internet, or a combination of networks.

[031] The computing device 104 comprises a structural analysis model generated by using engineering simulation software. The structure analysis model may be generated from geometry model of any component by using engineering simulation software, without limiting the scope of the disclosure. The engineering simulation software may be ANSYS software, and the like, without limiting the scope of the disclosure. The input data is prepared in sequential modules and inputted to the structural analysis model. The input data is checked automatically by add on programs and generates a markup language file comprising graphic and text outputs with hyperlinks. The markup language file may be any HTML file, or any other file related to the markup language, without limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[032] Referring to FIG. 2 is a block diagram of system 102 depicting the modules involved in the preparation of input data, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 102 comprises a data preparation unit 110. The data preparation unit comprises modules (hereinafter referred as logics) for preparing input data. The data preparation unit 110 is configured with a geometry logic 112, a finite element logic 113, a material property logic 114, a mesh correctness logic 115, a mesh quality logic 116, a displacement constraint logic 117, a multipoint constraint logic 118, a mechanical load logic 119, a body force logic 120, a thermal load logic 121, a contact logic 122, and a solution option logic 123.

[033] The geometry logic 112 is configured to generate graphical outputs of structural analysis model entities such as lines, areas and volumes and the like. The geometry logic 112 is further configured to check whether the generated structural analysis model is depicting the original structure of the component.

[034] The finite elements involved in the generation of the structural analysis model comprise attributes such as section properties, thickness, and the like. The finite element logic 113 is configured to check whether the finite elements considered are consistent with structural analysis model.

[035] The material property logic 114 is configured to generate graphical outputs for the materials involved in the generation of the structural analysis model at predefined temperatures. These materials are characterized by predefined material properties like modulus of elasticity, poisson’s ratio, coefficient of thermal expansion and density and the like that are temperature dependent.

[036] The mesh correctness logic 115 is configured to check whether the input element data matches to the original structure of the component. The mesh correctness logic 115 further generates graphics of the full mesh and subsets according to element type, element attributes and material specification automatically.

[037] The mesh quality logic 116 is configured to check the nodal connectivity of a finite element mesh such that there should be no coincident key points, lines, areas, nodes and elements that are separate physical entities unless they are contact regions. The mesh quality logic 116 generates text output of nodal connectivity summary. It also generates mesh quality summary of warning and error elements.

[038] The displacement constraint logic 117 is configured to generate text form and graphical outputs that indicate the displacement constraints of the input data.

[039] The multipoint constraint logic 118 is configured to generate text form and graphics relating to the specified constraint equations. These constraint equations are linear equations covering the displacements in two or more degrees. These constraint equations are mathematical representations of certain physical behaviours (like rigid regions).

[040] The mechanical load logic 119 is configured to generate text form and graphic outputs indicating the location, magnitude and direction of the point loads (forces and/or moments) and pressure forces.

[041] The body force logic 120 is configured to generate the text form of the predefined load cases where the loads are proportional to the volume or mass of the component. These loads include linear accelerations in global directions and specified angular velocity (rotation) about specified axes.

[042] The thermal load logic 121 is configured to generate contours of predefined temperatures for different load cases.

[043] The contact logic 122 is configured to check whether the contact pair between two structurally independent components which may come into contact depending on load application are correctly modelled. The contact logic 122 further generates initial contact graphical plots and contact attributes summary.

[044] The solution option logic 123 comprises an algorithm that instructs about the type of analysis is to be performed. In the case of nonlinear analysis the solution options concern load substeps, convergence criterion, convergence tolerance etc. The solution options get summarised in text form.

[045] Referring to FIG. 3 is a diagram 300 depicting the system 102, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted, however, that embodiments are not limited to implementation on such computing devices, but may be implemented on any of a variety of different types of computing units within the scope of embodiments hereof. The system 102 is only one example of a system for automated checking and reviewing input data of a structural analysis model and it is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the disclosure.

[046] In some embodiments, the system 102 may include a bus 312, a processor 314, a memory 316, a network device 318, an input device 320, and an output device 322. The bus 312 may include a path that permits communication among the components of the system 102.

[047] The memory 316 stores the geometry logic 112, the finite element logic 113, the material property logic 114, the mesh correctness logic 115, the mesh quality logic 116, the displacement constraint logic 117, the multipoint constraint logic 118, the mechanical load logic 119, the body force logic 120, the thermal load logic 121, the contact logic 122, and the solution option logic 123.

[048] The memory 316 may be any type of computer memory known in the art or future-developed for electronically storing data and/or logic, including volatile and non-volatile memory. In this regard, memory 316 can include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, any magnetic computer storage unit, including hard disks, floppy discs, or magnetic tapes, and optical discs.

[049] The processor 314 comprises processing hardware for interpreting or executing tasks or instructions stored in the memory 316. Note that the processor 314 may be a microprocessor, a digital processor, or other type of circuitry configured to run and/or execute instructions.

[050] The network device 318 may be any type of network unit (e.g., a modem) known in the art or future-developed for communicating over a network 106 (FIG. 1).

[051] The input device 320 is any type of input unit known in the art or future-developed for receiving data. As an example, the input unit 320 may be a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a serial port, a scanner, a camera, or a microphone.

[052] The output device 322 may be any type of output unit known in the art or future-developed for displaying or outputting data. As an example, the output device 322 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other type of video display unit, a speaker, or a printer.

[053] Further note that, the system 102 components may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. In the exemplary system 102, depicted by FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, all the components are implemented by software and stored in the memory 316.

[054] Referring to FIG. 4 is a flow diagram depicting the method for automated checking and review system for input data of a structural analysis model, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The method starts at step 402 by generating a structural analysis model using engineering simulation software, wherein the generated structural analysis model is keyed in with the input data using a plurality of modules. The method continues to next step 404 by automating the process of checking the input data of structural analysis model using a plurality of add-on programs. The method continues to next step 406 by generating a markup language file comprising graphic and text output with hyperlinks.

[055] Referring to FIG. 5 is a flow diagram depicting the process for automating the checking and review system for input data using modules, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. A structural analysis model is created using engineering simulation software at step 502. At step 504 the input data is collected and keyed into the system. At step 506 the system comprising the data modules individually undergoes automatic checking of input data of structural analysis model. At step 508 the data modules generate a markup language file comprising graphic and text outputs with hyperlinks. If the input data is found to be incorrect the process is redirected to the step 504.

[056] Although the present disclosure has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments and illustrations thereof, other embodiments and modifications to preferred embodiments may be possible that are within the principles and spirit of the invention. The above descriptions and figures are therefore to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive.

[057] Thus the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub combinations of the various features described herein above as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.