+FE Module

Providing a robust solution for the conversion of 3D image data into multi-part volumetric models.

The proprietary technology of the +FE module (formerly known as +ScanFE) provides unique meshing capabilities for creating 3D image based models of unparalleled accuracy and sophistication. This integrated module extends ScanIP's capabilities; generating volume and/or surface meshes, contact surfaces and automatically assigning material properties from grey level data. These high quality, analysis ready meshes can be directly imported into a wide range of commercial FE and CFD packages.

New in Version 4


Improved usability and workflow
  • +FE module now fully integrated into ScanIP
    Image processing and meshing all within one environment
Improved volume meshing and mesh adaptation
  • Choice of meshing algorithms: +FE-Grid and +FE-Free
  • Automatic feature based mesh refinement
  • Adaptation to image boundaries for CFD meshes

Benefits

  • Automated, robust and fast
    Segmented image to analysis ready model in minutes
  • Complex mesh generated and solved on ‘off the shelf’ PC
    Complex models attainable without high powered computing
  • Topological/morphological accuracy contingent only on image quality
    Image accuracy maintained during segmentation and smoothing
  • Conforming mesh domains for FE and CFD, ideal for FSI analysis
    Robust multi-part models without gaps or overlaps

Key features

  • Mesh generation from data sets of arbitrary geometric complexity
  • User selection between grid based and free meshing approach
  • Material properties assigned to mesh based on signal strength
  • Topology and volume preserving smoothing algorithms
  • Meshing of multiple structures/regions of interest
  • Conforming contact surfaces/interfaces
  • User definable mesh refinement

Screenshots

+FE Technical Data

The +FE module is a fully integrated meshing module within ScanIP for the conversion of masks to volume meshes, contact surface definition and material property assignment as well generating rapid prototyping files.

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Export Formats

  • FE Output—the +FE module exports can include nodes, hexahedral, tetrahedral and shell elements, material properties, contact surfaces and node sets.
    • Abaqus
    • Adina
    • Ansys
    • Ansys Workbench
    • Comsol
    •  I-deas
    • LS-Dyna  
    • MSC Nastran and Patran
    • VTK
  • CFD Output: FLUENT
  • RP Output Formats (STL files)—Models for rapid prototyping can be exported as stl files (ascii or binary). These are exact replicas of the finite element models.

Mesh generation

  • Multipart Volumetric Mesh
    • Mixed hexahedral/tetrahedral or pure tetrahedral element volume meshing
    • Choice of meshing algorithms: +FE-Grid and +FE-Free.
    • Part-wise mesh generation with smooth, conforming interfaces at boundaries
    • User defined minimum target element qualities
    • Option for pure hexahedral mesh, with unsmoothed boundaries/interfaces
    • Linear or quadratic (mid-side nodes) elements types available
    • Adaptive meshing for reduced mesh density away from boundaries
    • Automated feature based mesh refinement (+FE Free)
    • Element quality statistics and histogram provided
    • User defined mesh density control through the use of spherical regions of high density and relaxation/transition zones.
  • Shell Mesh—Shell elements can be defined at the outer surfaces and interfaces of parts. This shell mesh can either be exported on its own or as a layer of elements encasing the volumetric mesh
  • Contact Surfaces and Node Sets—Contact surfaces and node sets can be automatically defined between any parts in contact as well as between a part and the surrounding medium and a part and the borders of the bounding box.
  • CFD Export Options—Material definitions can be set to either fluid or solid. It is possible to define any identifiable contact surface as a specific boundary type:
    • wall
    • symmetry
    • inlet (velocity, pressure, mass-flow, vent or fan intake),
    • outlet (pressure, exhaust, vent or outflow)
    • interior boundaries (interface, porous jump, fan or radiator).
  • Material Properties—Volume element material properties can be set to:
    • Placeholder for later definition in FE package of choice
    • Homogeneous where mass density, Young's Modulus and the Poisson's ratio are constants defined by the user
    • Greyscale where material properties within parts can be automatically assigned from the image data, based on user defined functions to relate greyscale value of the original data to density.
    • Density as a function of element parent voxel greyscale (GS) is given by:
      ρ = a + b ∙ GS

      (where a, b are user defined variables which may be non-integer).
    • Young's Modulus as a function of density is given by:
      E = a + b ∙ ρc + d ∙ ρe

      (where a, b, c, d, and e are user defined variables)
    • Poisson's ratio as a function of density is given by:
      µ = a + b ∙ ρc + d ∙ ρe

      (where a, b, c, d, and e are user defined variables)


Download Technical Datasheet