A Post-Processing Module Scheme of Finite Element Software

Abstract

Scientific visualization is widely used in engineering design, finite element analysis visualization as an important application area is a significant tool to understand and analyze the result data of finite element. However, large quantity of calculation results causes it hardly meet the real time requirement of finite element application, meanwhile, due to the complexity and irregularity of 3D solid models and meshes, observing the fully data sets becomes difficult. This paper designs a data structure suitable for handling finite element complex calculation results, which improves the efficiency of data execution, furthermore, designs and develops a finite element post-processing module for data visualization. The module is developed based on the theory of Object-Oriented Programming and Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC). The paper demonstrates the key technology regarding post-processing, including finite element meshes generation, data interpolation processing, nephogram rendering, contour line generation, vector data display and model-user interaction. Advanced scene rendering realization based on HOOPS 3D Graphics system, including lighting, rendering mode, interacting with the scene. The paper evaluates the module performance through simulating the high frequency electric field and magnetic field distribution in the rectangular micro-strip antenna. As the module is designed to be lean, fast, easy-to-use, and good visual quality, it satisfies the requirement of visualizing the result of the finite element simulation well.