Strategies for Automatic Finite Element Modeling

In this paper strategies for the development and implementation of automatic finite element modeling systems are discussed within the context of knowledge engineering. In the light of language analysis, the finite element model generation, which involves transformation between three models: physical, analytical, and finite element, models, is seen as a process of language translation. Taking into consideration the knowledge structure of finite element modeling, we have suggested both upward and downward strategies of developing finite element modeling systems. In the downward strategy a knowledge-based system CONSMOD-II is developed based on the language transformation and the newly developed data model of abstract structure of object representation. The upward strategy makes use of an existing mesh generation system MESHG and extends it to further automate the mapping element input and check the consistency of input data by means of geometric reasoning. The two systems are expected to merge together to provide a novel finite element modeling system. Further research areas are indicated.