Converting finite element models to CAD models using feature recognition

1. A method of creating a computer-aided design (CAD) model from a finite element model, the method comprising:

identifying and characterizing features of interest from the finite element model; creating multiple intermediate data structures of the finite element model by dividing the finite element model into mesh regions based on the features of interest;

performing feature recognition on each of the intermediate data structures to identify finite element model features;

extracting the finite element model features from the finite element model; and

creating the CAD model using the finite element model features;

wherein creating the CAD model comprises:

formalizing the features extracted from the finite element model in terms of CAD model features and settings;

wherein creating the CAD model further comprises:

combining some of the finite element model features to obtain higher level features;

creating a CAD feature tree using the higher level features; and using the CAD feature tree to build the CAD model.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein formalizing the features extracted from the finite element model comprises one or more of a surface fitting function, a surface trimming function, and a mesh segmentation function.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein identifying and characterizing features of interest from a finite element model comprises:

creating pre-defined geometrical patterns on the mesh of the finite element model; and

using the pre-defined geometrical patterns to recognize features of interest on the finite element model.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein creating intermediate data structures of the finite element model comprises:

subdividing the finite element model into multiple mesh regions;

building a mesh topology on each mesh region; and

defining boundary vertices and boundary edges on each mesh region.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein performing feature recognition on each intermediate data structure comprises a plurality of checks of one or more parameters of each mesh region.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the one or more parameters include at least one of a straightness or curvature of a line, a geometric shape of the mesh region, a topology check of the mesh region, or a size of one or more components of the mesh region.

7. A system, comprising a processing circuit configured to: identify and characterize features of interest from the finite element model;

create multiple intermediate data structures of the finite element model by dividing the finite element model into mesh regions based on the features of interest;

perform feature recognition on each of the intermediate data structures to identify finite element model features;

extract the finite element model features from the finite element model; and create the CAD model using the finite element model features;

wherein creating the CAD model comprises: formalizing the features extracted from the finite element model in terms of CAD model features and settings;

wherein creating the CAD model further comprises:

combining some of the finite element model features to obtain higher level features;

creating a CAD feature tree using the higher level features; and using the CAD feature tree to build the CAD model.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein formalizing the features extracted from the finite element model comprises one or more of a surface fitting function, a surface trimming function, and a mesh segmentation function.

9. The system of claim 7 , wherein identifying and characterizing features of interest from a finite element model comprises:

creating pre-defined geometrical patterns on the mesh of the finite element model; and

using the pre-defined geometrical patterns to recognize features of interest on the finite element model.

10. The system of claim 7 , wherein creating intermediate data structures of the finite element model comprises:

subdividing the mesh of the finite element model into multiple mesh regions;

building a mesh topology on each mesh region; and

defining boundary vertices and boundary edges on each mesh region.

11. The system of claim 7 , wherein performing feature recognition on each intermediate data structure comprises a plurality of checks of one or more parameters of each mesh region.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the one or more parameters include at least one of a straightness or curvature of a line, a geometric shape of the mesh region, a topology check of the mesh region, or a size of one or more components of the mesh region.

13. A tool for creating a CAD model from a finite element model, wherein the tool is configured to:

identify and characterize features of interest from the finite element model; create multiple intermediate data structures of the finite element model by dividing the finite element model into mesh regions based on the features of interest;

perform feature recognition on each of the intermediate data structures to identify finite element model features;

extract the finite element model features from the finite element model; and create the CAD model using the finite element model features;

wherein creating the CAD model comprises:

formalizing the features extracted from the finite element model in terms of CAD model features and settings;

formalizing the features extracted from the finite element model in terms of CAD model features and settings;

wherein creating the CAD model further comprises:

combining some of the finite element model features to obtain higher level features;

creating a CAD feature tree using the higher level features; and using the CAD feature tree to build the CAD model.

14. The tool of claim 13 , wherein formalizing the features extracted from the finite element model comprises one or more of a surface fitting function, a surface trimming function, and a mesh segmentation function.