Abstract
The continuous evolution of finite element codes along with their increasing reliability results more and more in the tentative use of finite element analysis during the development phase of a product. This, however, involves the creation of growing models in size that, consequently, generate vast amount of data that need to be efficiently and quickly post-processed, validated against other simulation data or test results and possibly used for further calculations. To the above demands imposed to a post-processor, one should also add the development of automated procedures for repeating actions that would not need user interaction, the coupling to optimisers and the effortless creation of reports.
This paper presents an overview of how the aforementioned requirements, often being controversial to each other, can be addressed by μETA (mETA) Post-Processor. Real life performance benchmarks with top-size models are being showcased. Advanced techniques for the conductance of comparison studies are described. Tools for the correlation between video test data and FE-models have been used and a relevant case-study is presented. Simulation results are further exploited through the calculation of derived results, such as Modal responses and Section Forces, thus saving time by avoiding re-running the solver again. A simple procedure for the readily coupling of μETA with any optimiser has been developed thus, minimising the user's effort to incorporate post-processing actions within an optimisation loop. This procedure has been successfully used also in a case of Multidisciplinary Optimisation scenario. Extensive automation capabilities, such as session files, scripting and user toolbars, have been combined together with advanced reporting capabilities in order to automate very complicated processes such as the final & error-proof reporting of a pedestrian test, thus resulting in significant time savings.
Keywords: Graphics performance, results comparison/correlation, process automation, reporting, results calculation