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An expert system for forming quadrilateral finite elements

Y.C. Liu (Centre for Flexible Manufacturing Research and Development, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L7, Canada)
H.A. ElMaraghy (Centre for Flexible Manufacturing Research and Development, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L7, Canada)
K.F. Zhang (Centre for Flexible Manufacturing Research and Development, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L7, Canada)

Engineering Computations

ISSN: 0264-4401

Article publication date: 1 March 1990

37

Abstract

A knowledge‐based system for forming quadrilateral finite elements, XFORMQ, was developed at the Centre of Flexible Manufacturing Research and Development of McMaster University, Canada. It automatically forms quadrilateral elements of good quality in conjunction with existing triangular mesh generators. XFORMQ can model geometries as complicated as those handled by triangular mesh generators. It allows for pre‐specified element sizes and rapid transition of element density. The concepts of ‘layer’ and ‘polygon patterns’, which considerably simplify the mesh generation rules and ensure the quality of formed elements, are introduced. Several test cases with different degrees of difficulties were used to evaluate XFORMQ's capabilities with satisfactory results. XFORMQ has the potential of generating meshes arising from the adaptive finite element analysis with quadrilateral elements.

Citation

Liu, Y.C., ElMaraghy, H.A. and Zhang, K.F. (1990), "An expert system for forming quadrilateral finite elements", Engineering Computations, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 249-257. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb023812

Publisher

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MCB UP Ltd

Copyright © 1990, MCB UP Limited

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