Control parameters for the analysis and visualization of FE results into a collaborative engineering environment

Currenlty, FE meshes form the basic representation for the analysis and visualization of 3D FE analysis results. In this case, the triangulations used for visualization purposes are colored in accordance with the values issued from the resolution phase. As FE models get larger (hundreds of thousands and over), their 3D visualization become more and more difficult on high performance graphic workstations and cannot be performed on low cost computers. In the context of collaborative engineering, such models can hardly be exploited during digital design reviews (with or without immersion into a VR environment) and cannot be attached to emails and digital reports. In addition, large FE models reduce the understanding of phenomena since 3D animations and interactive analysis on high performance workstations cannot be achieved. This paper deals with the problem of blending numerical and geometrical criteria in the decimation process of numerical simulation data sets. We propose three different approaches: Compression with priority to the simulation data, Compression based on a blending of geometrical and numerical criteria, Compression with priority to the geometry. These approaches are illustrated on real world examples of mechanical phenomena simulations. L. Fine, J-C. Léon, A. Gérussi, G-P. Bonneau