Skeleton Modeling

Create a reduced ordered model to facilitate optimization at the concept phase.

Skeleton modeling is independent of industry and can be used for a variety of modeling needs. It can be used purely for model build purposes and/or for concept optimization.

A skeleton model can be derived from several different sources. The most common sources are donor FE and CAD geometry. All the sources shown in Figure 1 are supported, including direct interpretation from topology results.
Figure 1.


Once the skeleton model is built, it’s necessary to verify and certify that the low fidelity model correlates with the original high-fidelity model (assuming the source is donor FE).

Once the correlation is complete, optimization studies can be performed to meet certain performance metrics.

For example, a Body-In-White optimization could focus on targets related to normal modes, static bending and torsion, and bend twist load cases.
Figure 2.


The skeleton model build process is dissected into three key stages – Joints, Members, and Panels.

The model build creation process starts by isolating the areas to be considered as a joint. These are typically junctions in the model that have multiple joining locations within the physical structure.

Each member is connected between two joints.

Each panel is connected between three or more members (and joints).
Figure 3.


Figure 4.