A 2D pre-processor for finite element programs based on a knowledge-based system

This paper presents the database generation for finite element programs. A 2D pre-processor for data generation in finite element programs is presented and it is based on a knowledge-based system in combination with the finite element method. Our software product is based on the designers’ experience in the area of the electromagnetic devices. We present two versions of mesh generator: one is based on the multiblock method, the other is a semi-automatic generator based on the designer's experience. As target example we consider the design of a large coil (reactor) but the results can be extended in any engineering application when finite element method is used. The paper describes two software products for a CAD laboratory exercises assigned for student training in the undergraduate curriculum of electromagnetic device design. The software products utilise a user-friendly, interactive PC-based graphical software package for mesh generation in a CAD program based on finite element method with on-line explanation on the various aspects in database generation including the engineer's experience. Key-Words: Finite element method; Computer-aided design; Mesh generation; Engineering education.