Meshless EPM Solver Technology for Structural Mechanics Problems
by
Altair Engineering
7800 Shoal Creek Blvd., Suite 290E
Austin, TX 78757
February, 2000
Abstract
The R&D office of Altair Enginering (known previously as COMCO) is currently developing a new fast and robust solver for structural mechanics problems. It is based on a new solver technology called the Element Partition Method (EPM). This technology combines the modeling advantages and flexibility of finite element methods with the ease of use of the so-called meshless methods, and with computational performance compatible or faster than present finite element solvers.
In the context of the design process, this new technology will allow analysts to solve the basic class of linear structural analysis problems in a "meshless" way, wherein the model discretization and solution (to a predefined accuracy level) is performed without user intervention. At the same time, in distinction from other classes of meshless methods, EPM can handle physics and model complexity similar to FEA and can, in fact, be combined with finite element entities.
This technical note presents
basic information about this technology and examples of its application
to selected structural problems.