From CAD to Simulation: Mastering Isogeometric Analysis in Ansys LS-DYNA Software

Isogeometric Analysis (IGA) is a finite element technology in which the geometry description (i.e. shape functions) used in Computer Aided Design (CAD) is also used in numerical analysis. Besides the potential to better integrate the CAD models with the subsequent Finite Element Analysis (FEA), the use of higher-order and higher-continuity shape functions, e.g. Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS), may yield better results while having the possibility of using larger element sizes. Furthermore, the use of the IGA technology helps reduce the discretization error that may result from a re-parameterization of the CAD geometry.

Learning Outcomes:

Following completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the theoretical basics behind Isogeometric Analysis, B-Splines and NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) and the trimming approach.
• Understand how industrial CAD models look like.
• Understand the IGA capabilities of Ansys LS-DYNA®nonlinear dynamics structural simulation software and Ansys Ansys LS-PrePost® capability.
• Create simple IGA shell models in Ansys LS-PrePost capability.
• Understand the *IGA keyword format and how trimmed multi-patch NURBS shells work.
• Understand how IGA shell model generation for industrial models works in ANSA.
• Understand the basic concept of boundary-fitted spline shells and trimmed IGA solids.

Prerequisites:

• Basic knowledge of Finite Element Analysis, Ansys LS-DYNA software and Ansys LS-PrePost capability.

Please note: These training materials were developed and tested in the 2025R2 release.