Realization of CAD-integrated shell simulation based on isogeometric B-Rep analysis

An entire design-through-analysis workflow solution for isogeometric B-Rep analysis (IBRA), including both the interface to existing CADs and the analysis procedure, is presented. Possible approaches are elaborated for the full scope of structural analysis solvers ranging from low to high isogeometric simulation fidelity. This is based on a systematic investigation of solver designs suitable for IBRA. A theoretically ideal IBRA solver has all CAD capabilities and information accessible at any point, however, realistic scenarios typically do not allow this level of information. Even a classical FE solver can be included in the CAD-integrated workflow, which is achieved by a newly proposed meshless approach. This simple solution eases the implementation of the solver backend. The interface to the CAD is modularized by defining a database, which provides IO capabilities on the base of a standardized data exchange format. Such database is designed to store not only geometrical quantities but also all the numerical information needed to realize the computations. This feature allows its use also in codes which do not provide full isogeometric geometrical handling capabilities. The rough geometry information for computation is enhanced with the boundary topology information which implies trimming and coupling of NURBS-based entities. This direct use of multi-patch trimmed CAD geometries follows the principle of embedding objects into a background parametrization. Consequently, redefinition and meshing of geometry is avoided. Several examples from illustrative cases to industrial problems are provided to demonstrate the application of the proposed approach and to explain in detail the proposed exchange formats. © 2018, The Author(s).