FEM using projection of physical properties suitable for movement modeling and optimization processes

Abstract

Purpose

Optimization processes and movement modeling usually require a high number of simulations. The purpose of this paper is to reduce global central processing unit (CPU) time by decreasing each evaluation time.

Design Methodology Approach

Remeshing the geometry at each iteration is avoided in the proposed method. The idea consists in using a fixed mesh on which functions are projected to represent geometry and supply.

Findings

Results are very promising. CPU time is reduced for three dimensional problems by almost a factor two, keeping a low relative deviation from usual methods. CPU time saving is performed by avoiding meshing step and also by a better initialization of iterative resolution. Optimization, movement modeling and transient-state simulation are very efficient and give same results as usual finite element method.

Research Limitations Implications

The method is restricted to simple geometry owing to the difficulty of finding spatial mathematical function describing the geometry. Moreover, a compromise between imprecision, caused by the boundary evaluation, and time saving must be found.

Originality Value

The method can be applied to optimize rotating machines design. Moreover, movement modeling is performed by shifting functions corresponding to moving parts.

Citation

Ristagno, B., Giraud, D., Fontchastagner, J., Netter, D., Takorabet, N., Devornique, G. and Labbe, N. (2020), "FEM using projection of physical properties suitable for movement modeling and optimization processes", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 39 No. 5, pp. 1185-1199. https://doi.org/10.1108/COMPEL-01-2020-0022