An Automatic Finite Element Analysis Post-Processor to Detect Regional Overall-time Extreme Condition of Dams

Abstract

Abstract Post-processing is a key task in finite element analysis (FEA), particularly when dam engineering problem is analyzed, whose model is always multi-physics coupled, multi-incremental and element-altering. Commercial FEA software packages can provide powerful solvers, but the performance of their post-processing module is always function-limited and inefficient for engineers. This paper introduces design and implementation of an automatic FEA post-processor for dam engineering, and focuses on how to detect the overall-time extreme physics status of different regions of the dam. Python-based modules are developed in Tecplot to speed up and ease the procedure. The post-processor is tested in a case of dam construction analysis.