Automatic solid decomposition and reduction for non-manifold geometric model generation

Oftentimes the level of complexity of a structure requires the analyst to idealize the finite element model, so that a solution may be obtained within a reasonable time scale. This paper describes some operations that have been defined and implemented which allow the user to reduce the dimensionality of geometric models automatically using a novel decomposition and reduction method. The model is first decomposed into simpler solids, and these solids undergo a reduction process to extract their midsurfaces. In some cases, not every part of the model can be reduced and thus, a non-manifold geometric model, suitable for mixed finite element modeling, is generated. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.