compas-cra 0.2.0

Coupled Rigid-Block Analysis implementation using COMPAS framework

COMPAS CRA

Coupled Rigid-Block Analysis (CRA) implementation using COMPAS framework.

developed with ♥ by Gene Ting-Chun Kao

To find out more about CRA, please refer to our paper in the CAD Computer-Aided Design journal: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cad.2022.103216

Coupled Rigid-Block Analysis: Stability-Aware Design of Complex Discrete-Element Assemblies

Abstract

The rigid-block equilibrium (RBE) method uses a penalty formulation to measure structural infeasibility or to guide the design of stable discrete-element assemblies from unstable geometry. However, RBE is a purely force-based formulation, and it incorrectly describes stability when complex interface geometries are involved. To overcome this issue, this paper introduces the coupled rigid-block analysis (CRA) method, a more robust approach building upon RBE’s strengths. The CRA method combines equilibrium and kinematics in a penalty formulation in a nonlinear programming problem. An extensive benchmark campaign is used to show how CRA enables accurate modelling of complex three-dimensional discrete-element assemblies formed by rigid blocks. In addition, an interactive stability-aware design process to guide user design towards structurally-sound assemblies is proposed. Finally, the potential of our method for real-world problems are demonstrated by designing complex and scaffolding-free physical models.

Please cite our work if you use CRA in your research

@article{kao2022coupled,
  title={Coupled Rigid-Block Analysis: Stability-Aware Design of Complex Discrete-Element Assemblies},
  author={Kao, Gene Ting-Chun and Iannuzzo, Antonino and Thomaszewski, Bernhard and Coros, Stelian and Van Mele, Tom and Block, Philippe},
  journal={Computer-Aided Design},
  pages={103216},
  year={2022},
  publisher={Elsevier}
}

Read the docs: https://blockresearchgroup.github.io/compas_cra

Build the docs locally:

$ pip install -r requirements-dev.txt
$ invoke docs
$ open dist/docs/index.html  # or open index.html in compas_cra/dist/docs/