Abstract: Methods and systems for creating a computerized model representing a layered shell-like structure are disclosed. 2-D reference mesh model and a user-specified definition of a layered shell-like structure are received in a computer system. The 2-D reference mesh model contains a plurality of reference nodes connected by a plurality of 2-D reference elements for representing the layered shell-like structure's mid-plane in the 2-D reference mesh model's thickness direction and the user-specified definition includes the number of layers and each layer's characteristics. A set of new nodal locations along respective reference nodes' normal vectors are calculated according to a set of rules derived from the user-specified definition. New nodes for defining a computerized model that represents the layered shell-like structure are created by reproducing the reference nodes at each corresponding new nodal location.

Abstract: Numerical simulation techniques of physical behaviors of a string drawn out of a yarn feeder in a weaving/braiding machine are disclosed. A FEA model, representing a string having a source end at yarn feeder and a braiding end towards braiding/weaving operations, contains at least one truss element with a leading element directly connected to the source end at which pull-out force of the yarn feeder is predefined. Maximum and minimum lengths of a truss element are predefined for facilitating local remeshing. Simulated physical behaviors of the string are obtained by performing a time-marching simulation using the FEA model with the FEA application module having local remeshing capability. Simulated physical behaviors include axial forces in each truss element of the FEA model and the string's deformed geometry. Local remeshing is used for updating the computerized model by creating new leading element that satisfies consistent realistic condition, when local remeshing becomes necessary.

Abstract: Methods and systems for creating a computerized model representing a layered shell-like structure are disclosed. 2-D reference mesh model and a user-specified definition of a layered shell-like structure are received in a computer system. The 2-D reference mesh model contains a plurality of reference nodes connected by a plurality of 2-D reference elements for representing the layered shell-like structure's mid-plane in the 2-D reference mesh model's thickness direction and the user-specified definition includes the number of layers and each layer's characteristics. A set of new nodal locations along respective reference nodes' normal vectors are calculated according to a set of rules derived from the user-specified definition. New nodes for defining a computerized model that represents the layered shell-like structure are created by reproducing the reference nodes at each corresponding new nodal location.

Abstract: Numerical simulation techniques of physical behaviors of a string drawn out of a yarn feeder in a weaving/braiding machine are disclosed. A FEA model, representing a string having a source end at yarn feeder and a braiding end towards braiding/weaving operations, contains at least one truss element with a leading element directly connected to the source end at which pull-out force of the yarn feeder is predefined. Maximum and minimum lengths of a truss element are predefined for facilitating local remeshing. Simulated physical behaviors of the string are obtained by performing a time-marching simulation using the FEA model with the FEA application module having local remeshing capability. Simulated physical behaviors include axial forces in each truss element of the FEA model and the string's deformed geometry. Local remeshing is used for updating the computerized model by creating new leading element that satisfies consistent realistic condition, when local remeshing becomes necessary.

Abstract: Systems and methods for numerically simulating muscle's movements along bones and around joints are disclosed. A computerized model containing a plurality of truss elements along with one or more rollers is used. The truss elements are configured for modeling a muscle strand while each roller is configured for a joint. Each truss element includes two end nodes and is configured or associated with a muscle bio-mechanical property model. Each roller is fixed at the location of a corresponding joint. To simulate the muscle strand movements around the joint, each pair of truss elements straddling a roller is adjusted dynamically in a time-marching simulation (e.g., computer simulation of an impact event of an automobile and one or more occupants). Adjustments are performed at each solution cycle of the time-marching simulation. Adjustments include two types—“slipping” and “swapping”.

Abstract: Systems and methods for numerically simulating muscle's movements along bones and around joints are disclosed. A computerized model containing a plurality of truss elements along with one or more rollers is used. The truss elements are configured for modeling a muscle strand while each roller is configured for a joint. Each truss element includes two end nodes and is configured or associated with a muscle bio-mechanical property model. Each roller is fixed at the location of a corresponding joint. To simulate the muscle strand movements around the joint, each pair of truss elements straddling a roller is adjusted dynamically in a time-marching simulation (e.g., computer simulation of an impact event of an automobile and one or more occupants). Adjustments are performed at each solution cycle of the time-marching simulation. Adjustments include two types—“slipping” and “swapping”.