Techniques for utility structure modeling and simulation
Inventors
SCHULZE, William • WILLITT, Brett • Cain, David • FORD, Michael H. • KRAMB, Kevan • OVERLY, TIMOTHY G. S. • Ratliff, Michael • WENTWORTH, Jeremy
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12373614-B2
Publication Date
2025-07-29
Expiration Date
Abstract
Systems and methods are described for modeling and analyzing utility structures according to applied loads. Particularly, a model engine can utilize inputs related to a utility structure, environmental conditions to which the utility structure is subjected, and engineering standards expected of the utility structure, and analyze the structure's loading and performance based on analysis configuration inputs. An engine or multiple engines can be run locally or can be instantiated in a cloud to assist with multiple or complex calculations. Hybrid and geometric non-linear analyses and outputs can be performed or provided.
Core Innovation
The invention provides systems and methods for utility-structure modeling and simulation using one or more model engines. A finite element model is generated from utility-structure geometry/material and environmental conditions, together with an analysis configuration and one or more engineering standards. The model engine computes acceptable loading and expected loading and compares them to determine loading and performance, including pass/fail status.
A wind sweep over a plurality of directions is used to simulate a state of the finite element model and determine loading of the utility structure due at least in part to the wind sweep from each of the plurality of directions. The model engine outputs loading per direction and presents it in a graphical representation. The loading for each direction is shown using a radar chart in which loading drawings are superimposed over direction markings radiating from a representation of the utility structure, and magnitude markings surround the representation.
The modeling includes identifying one or more first elements of a support group where load is kept constant and one or more second elements where load is allowed to adjust with displacement. The first elements are modeled as loads and the second elements are modeled as finite elements. The invention further includes support-group grouping based on shear zone grouping, geometric non-linear analysis, iterative stable-state solving, and pre-tensioning and re-tensioning phases to emulate installation states, with results presented through rich graphical interfaces and tabular and graphical outputs.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claims: a method claim and a non-transitory computer-readable medium claim. Each independent claim covers a core workflow of receiving utility-structure and environmental inputs, including a wind sweep from a plurality of directions, generating and simulating a finite element model with hybrid support-group handling, and generating and displaying a radar chart representing loading magnitude across directions.
Receiving wind sweep inputs and analysis configuration
Receiving inputs describing a utility structure, environmental conditions to which the utility structure is subjected including at least a wind sweep from a plurality of directions, and an analysis configuration.
Instantiating model engines for finite element generation
Instantiating one or more model engines on a local computing device or a cloud-based computing system.
Hybrid support-group modeling with loads and finite elements
Generating a finite element model of the utility structure based on the inputs describing the utility structure, the environmental conditions, and the analysis configuration, identify one or more first elements of a support group where load is to be kept constant, identify one or more second elements of the support group where load is to be allowed to adjust with displacement, model the one or more first elements of the support group as loads, and model the one or more second elements of the support group as finite elements.
Directional simulation for wind sweep loading
Simulating a state of the finite element model to determine a loading of the utility structure due at least in part to the wind sweep from each of the plurality of directions.
Radar chart generation via superimposed direction and magnitude markings
Generating a radar chart that represents a magnitude of the loading determined by the simulation by superimposing a drawing indicating the loading in each of the plurality of directions over direction markings for the loading that radiate from a representation of the utility structure, and magnitude markings for the loading that surround the representation of the utility structure.
Displaying generated radar chart in an interface
Displaying the generated radar chart to a user in an interface shown on the local computing system.
Non-transitory medium receives utility and environmental inputs
Receiving inputs describing a utility structure, environmental conditions to which the utility structure is subjected, and an analysis configuration.
Non-transitory medium generates hybrid finite element model
Generating a finite element model of the utility structure based on the inputs describing the utility structure, the environmental conditions, and the analysis configuration, identify one or more first elements of a support group where load is to be kept constant, identify one or more second elements of the support group where load is to be allowed to adjust with displacement, model the one or more first elements of the support group as loads, and model the one or more second elements of the support group as finite elements.
Non-transitory medium simulates loading for each direction
Simulating a state of the finite element model to determine a loading of the utility structure for each of a plurality of directions.
Non-transitory medium generates radar chart with superimposed loading drawing
Generating a radar chart that represents a magnitude of the loading determined by the simulation by superimposing a drawing indicating the loading in each of the plurality of directions over direction markings for the loading that radiate from a representation of the utility structure, and magnitude markings for the loading that surround the representation of the utility structure.
Non-transitory medium displays radar chart to a user
Displaying the generated radar chart to a user.
Across both independent claims, the inventive coverage centers on wind-sweep-based finite element modeling with hybrid support-group handling and generating a radar chart that superimposes directional loading drawings over radiating direction markings and surrounding magnitude markings, followed by displaying the radar chart to a user.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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