CAD Interoperability and Simulation Preparation with Medial Object Technology

The Medial Object technology represents a major advancement in the preparation of CAD models for numerical simulation. Originally developed at Queen's University in Belfast in the 1980s, this revolutionary approach transforms complex 3D models into lighter skeletal representations better suited for numerical calculations. Engineers facing growing challenges in CAD interoperability and complex modern geometries find in this technology a solution to significantly reduce preparation time while improving analysis accuracy.

With the constant increase in the complexity of 3D designs, traditional methods of preparing models for simulation are reaching their limits, resulting in extended delays and sometimes inaccurate results. Medial Object Technology, integrated into advanced software solutions, offers a high-performance alternative that revolutionizes numerical simulation workflows and opens new perspectives for product optimization.

Table of contents

• Fundamental Principles of Medial Object Technology
• Historical Development and Evolution
• The Concept of "Geometric Reasoning" and its Application
• CADfix DX: An Integrated Solution for Medial Objects
• Benefits and Sectoral Applications
• Current Challenges and Future Prospects

Fundamental Principles of Medial Object Technology

Medial Object Technology is based on a fundamental mathematical concept: the skeletal representation of a 3D volume. This principle allows the transformation of complex CAD models into simplified structures that preserve the essential characteristics for numerical simulation. Unlike traditional approaches that directly manipulate the external surfaces of the model, this technology works with the medial axis - an abstract representation that captures the fundamental shape of the object.

This approach offers several significant technical advantages:

• Considerable reduction in geometric complexity while preserving design intent
• Automatic identification of essential and non-essential geometric features
• Creation of optimized models specifically for different types of simulations
• Ability to work with incomplete models or those with geometric defects

At the heart of this technology is the concept of the Medial Axis Transform (MAT), which generates a mathematical "skeleton" of the model. This skeleton represents the central points of the object, accompanied by information on the distance to boundaries. This mathematical representation provides a solid foundation for intelligent analysis and simplification of models.

Historical Development and Evolution

The history of Medial Object Technology begins in the 1980s at Queen's University in Belfast, where researchers developed the first Medial Axis Transformation algorithms for engineering applications. What was initially an abstract mathematical concept gradually transformed into a practical technology with concrete industrial applications.

In 2004, International TechneGroup, Ltd. (ITI) recognized the potential of this approach and began developing commercial implementations. This evolution was accelerated by several significant European research projects:

This progressive evolution has transformed a theoretical concept into a robust industrial solution capable of processing the most complex CAD models in demanding engineering contexts. Today, Medial Object technology is integrated into several industrial software solutions and continues to evolve to meet the growing challenges of numerical simulation.

The Concept of "Geometric Reasoning" and its Application

Geometric Reasoning constitutes a natural extension of Medial Object Technology. This approach goes beyond simple skeletal representation to incorporate an intelligent understanding of the function and intention behind each geometric element of the model.

This concept is based on the idea that different geometric features of a CAD model have distinct functional meanings. For example, a hole may represent a passage for a fastener, a rib may have a structural reinforcement function, and a fillet may be designed to reduce stress concentrations. Geometric Reasoning allows for automatic identification of these features and their relative importance for different types of analyses.

The main applications of Geometric Reasoning in the context of preparation for numerical simulation include:

• Automatic recognition of geometric features (Feature Recognition)
• Intelligent simplification based on functional importance
• Identification of critical areas requiring special attention during meshing
• Automatic domain partitioning for multi-physics analysis
• Decomposition of complex models into analyzable sub-components

This approach enables preparation of models for simulation that goes well beyond simple geometric simplification. It integrates an understanding of the engineering context and design intent, resulting in more relevant simulation models and more reliable results.

CADfix DX: An Integrated Solution for Medial Objects

CADfix DX represents one of the most advanced implementations of Medial Object Technology in the industry. This comprehensive solution integrates the principles of Medial Objects and Geometric Reasoning into a platform dedicated to CAD interoperability and model preparation for numerical simulation.

Developed by International TechneGroup Incorporated (ITI), CADfix DX builds on more than 25 years of expertise in solving data exchange and reuse problems. The solution is designed to address the daily challenges of engineers faced with the need to exchange models between different CAD, CAM, and CAE systems.

The main features of CADfix DX related to Medial Object Technology include:

• Automatic generation of medial surfaces from complex solid models
• Intelligent geometric subdivision to optimize finite element meshing
• Domain partitioning for computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
• Automatic recognition of geometric features
• Intelligent model simplification for different types of analyses
• Conversion of volumetric models to surface representations

The CADfix DX user interface is designed to guide users through the complete process of importing, repairing, transforming, and exporting models. The CADfix Wizard allows even occasional users to accomplish complex model preparation operations with minimal manual intervention.

CADfix DX's flexibility in terms of supported formats (more than 30 different formats) makes it a particularly suitable solution for heterogeneous engineering environments where different CAD, CAM, and CAE systems coexist.

Benefits and Sectoral Applications

Medial Object Technology, particularly in its implementation within solutions like CADfix DX, offers significant benefits for various industries. These benefits translate into time savings, improved quality of analyses, and better use of computing resources.

The main quantifiable advantages include:

• Reduction in model preparation times of up to 90% according to some industrial testimonials
• 50% decrease in total model setup time for simulation
• Almost complete elimination of manual model rework
• Improved analysis accuracy thanks to more suitable models
• Ability to process more complex assemblies than traditional methods

These benefits manifest differently depending on the industrial sector:

Aerospace and Defense

In the aerospace industry, Medial Object Technology is particularly valued for its ability to handle complex assemblies and efficiently prepare models for different types of analyses. Aircraft and engine manufacturers use it notably for:

• Analyzing the structural strength of critical components
• Optimizing aerodynamic performance
• Simulating the thermal behavior of propulsion systems
• Facilitating collaboration between different subcontractors using heterogeneous CAD systems

Automotive

The automotive sector leverages this technology to accelerate the development of new vehicles and components. Common applications include:

• Virtual crash-test simulation
• Optimization of energy efficiency through aerodynamic analysis
• NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) analysis to improve comfort
• Rapid validation of design modifications

Energy and Heavy Industry

In these sectors, the technology enables:

• Structural analysis of large industrial equipment
• Thermal simulation of power generation systems
• Flow optimization in turbines and pumps
• Verification of compliance with strict safety standards

Current Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite its many advantages, Medial Object Technology faces certain technical and adoption challenges. Understanding these current limitations also helps anticipate future developments of this approach.

Current Challenges

The main challenges encountered by users and developers of Medial Object Technology include:

• The robustness of algorithms when facing extremely complex geometries or those containing defects
• The delicate balance between excessive simplification and conservation of critical details
• Integration into existing, sometimes rigid workflows and the associated change management
• Performance limitations for very large assemblies containing thousands of components
• The need for specific expertise to optimally parameterize processes in certain complex cases

These challenges are the subject of active research, both in academia and at specialized software publishers, with significant progress made each year.

Evolution Perspectives

The future of Medial Object Technology looks promising, with several major development axes:

These future developments should further strengthen the position of Medial Object Technology as an essential approach for preparing CAD models for numerical simulation. Integration with other emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital twins also opens new application perspectives.

Towards Wider Adoption

As technical barriers are removed and technology maturity increases, wider adoption can be expected in new industrial sectors, including:

• The medical industry, for biomechanical simulation and personalization of medical devices
• The construction sector, for structural and energy analysis of buildings
• The consumer goods industry, to accelerate product development and reduce costs
• Small and medium-sized enterprises, thanks to more accessible and easy-to-use solutions

This democratization of technology will help make numerical simulation more accessible and effective for a wider range of companies and applications.

Conclusion

Medial Object Technology represents a significant advancement in the field of CAD model preparation for numerical simulation. By transforming complex 3D models into lighter, more suitable skeletal representations, this approach overcomes the limitations of traditional methods and significantly accelerates engineering processes.

The benefits documented by numerous industrial users - reduction in preparation times of up to 90%, decrease in manual rework, improvement in analysis accuracy - testify to the concrete impact of this technology on the efficiency of product development processes. Solutions like CADfix DX, which integrate Medial Object Technology and Geometric Reasoning, offer engineers powerful tools to address the growing challenges of CAD interoperability and numerical simulation.

As simulation requirements continue to increase in complexity and precision, future developments of this technology, particularly its integration with artificial intelligence and digital twins, promise to further expand its scope of application and benefits. For companies seeking to optimize their product development processes, Medial Object Technology constitutes a strategic investment with a demonstrated return in terms of time, costs, and quality.