Computer Graphics for 3-D Finite Element Models

Abstract

A description is given of a computer graphics program for detecting errors in three-dimensional finite element models and reducing finite element analysis data to a usable form. An efficient hidden line algorithm for mixed sets of polygons and polyhedra is presented together with a general line classification scheme. They are used to produce the variety of plots necessary to detect errors in the model. They also provide an “uncluttered” surface for displaying stress, temperature, and displacement data.