Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing SCAI
Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing SCAI

ModelCompare

FEM Model Comparison Made Fast and Easy

The ModelCompare plug-in for finite element method (FEM) pre- and post-­processing tools ­provides­­ a comparison of two similarly discretized FE models and ­portrays their differences in terms of ­geometry­ (mesh), material-ID and thickness.

ModelCompare identifies the differences between the two models based on the geometry described by the mesh and is independent of the Part ID (PID) or the NAME / TITLE of the parts. It uses specialized mapping techniques that result in extremely short run times.

User Benefits

Every organization involved in computer-­aided engineering (CAE) has to deal with ­numerous designs that vary in geometry, material and boundary conditions. ­ModelCompare is a quick-look tool capable of determining the differences between two FE models, which are ­discretized similarly, at blinding speeds. With ­ModelCompare, you can quickly compare two FE models within the visualization tool of your choice ­without going through the burden of manually determining the differences.

Our Contribution

At Fraunhofer SCAI, we thrive at the ­cross-roads of mathematics and data ­analysis. This enables us to provide ­cutting-edge tools that address the ­everyday needs of a CAE engineer.

A Seamless Interface as a Plug-in

ModelCompare is available as a plug-in for GNS Animator and can also be provided as a seamless, versatile interface for the ­visualization tool of your choice or as a stand-alone tool.

Geometry Changes

 

An accurate estimation and depiction of the changes in geometry of two similarly discretized FE models is made based on their nodal positions. It is independent of the PID or the NAME / ­TITLE of the parts.

Multi-Parts Detection

 

A part in the first model that is split into many parts in the second model can be identified as a set consisting of these parts.

New and Missing Parts / Elements

New parts that have been added to, or parts that have been ­removed from the model can be detected and visualised ­effectively. Missing elements with regard to the reference model, e.g. due to improper meshing, can also be detected.

Detection of Material-ID and Thickness Changes

Differences in material ID and thickness values between both ­models are detected, too. Here, thickness changes can be ­part-based or element-based.

Detection of Spotweld and RBE Changes

Differences in the attributes of the spotwelds (i.e., PIDs, EIDs and connected parts) along with new and missing spotwelds are identified and visualized. Additionally, differences in the positions of the master and slave nodes of the rigid body elements (RBEs) can also be determined.

All parts that have been displayed in this information sheet are obtained from the open source FE model of the Toyota Camry.
© Photo Fraunhofer SCAI

Visualization of the thickness differences of the two chassis.

© Photo Fraunhofer SCAI

Detection of multiple parts in the second model which are assigned to a single part in the first model.

© Photo Fraunhofer SCAI

Changes in the spotwelds have been ­detected­ and can be visualized together with the connecting parts.

© Photo Fraunhofer SCAI

The bumper of the car that has been ­morphed in the other model has been ­detected as changed and the color coding ­depicts the ­intensity of morphing involved.

© Photo Fraunhofer SCAI

One section of the exhaust pipe that has been translated in the other model is detected.

© Photo Fraunhofer SCAI

Parts of the chassis involving material differences in the two models have been highlighted.

Product sheet

The product sheet illustrates the purpose and the main features of the software on two pages. This is recommended for the first reading.