CAD Data

Pointwise's geometry kernel supports hybrid geometry so that you can work simulataneously with analytic surfaces (NURBS, B-Splines), faceted geometry (triangle mesh) or wireframes as your needs demand.

• IGES
• PATRAN
• STL
• VRML
• NASTRAN
• PLOT3D

Geometry Modeling

Pointwise does not require the use of a CAD model for meshing - the mesh can be created directly in 3D without having to create geometry first. This feature lessens dependence on the CAD system, allowing the analyst to use CAD geometry only where necessary. Furthermore, Pointwise's geometry modeler may be used to supplement the CAD model and create new models from scratch:

• Revolved Surfaces
• Ruled Surfaces
• Coons Patches
• Planes
• Intersections
• Lines
• Catmull-Rom and Akima splines
• Conics
• Circles
• Offset Curves

When meshing complex CAD models, Pointwise can create meshes that are independent of the CAD topology. A mesh may span an entire CAD surface, only a portion of a surface, or multiple surfaces.

Fault-Tolerant Meshing Eliminates CAD Healing

Another problem with CAD model interoperability is sloppy geometry such as gaps between adjacent surfaces, overlapping surfaces, and missing features. An analyst must be able to mesh a less than perfect model. Even though other software attempts to "heal" the CAD model through a variety of manipulations, healing is an ill-defined problem since design intent is usually unknown. Using a technique called merging, Pointwise is able to create a fully closed mesh upon a sloppy CAD model. Merging automatically identifies adjacent surface meshes, joins them across CAD model gaps, and uses the mesh solver to remove CAD artifacts such as topology and sliver surfaces from the mesh.