Category
Applied
Description
A digital twin is a digital representation that is used to study a physical object or process. In civil engineering, digital twins are created to analyze the behavior of real structures using finite element analysis (FEA). A more accurate digital twin provides more accurate data; however, creating an accurate model introduces complex surfaces and connections that are difficult for FEA software to analyze. This research examines the optimal way to create a digital twin in the Abaqus software, to minimize computation time while preserving sufficient accuracy to generate realistic data. A section of a real truss bridge is modeled once using embedded region and tie constraints and again using merged geometry. Static and dynamic analyses are performed, comparing computation time, deflection, velocity, and local and global stress. The results can inform the creation of an accurate digital twin that can be used to generate reliable data.
Comparison of FEA Model Connection Methods for a Structural Digital Twin
Applied
A digital twin is a digital representation that is used to study a physical object or process. In civil engineering, digital twins are created to analyze the behavior of real structures using finite element analysis (FEA). A more accurate digital twin provides more accurate data; however, creating an accurate model introduces complex surfaces and connections that are difficult for FEA software to analyze. This research examines the optimal way to create a digital twin in the Abaqus software, to minimize computation time while preserving sufficient accuracy to generate realistic data. A section of a real truss bridge is modeled once using embedded region and tie constraints and again using merged geometry. Static and dynamic analyses are performed, comparing computation time, deflection, velocity, and local and global stress. The results can inform the creation of an accurate digital twin that can be used to generate reliable data.
