Method and apparatus for generating three-dimensional finite element mesh

An apparatus for generating a three-dimensional finite element mesh (FEM), comprising:

• a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an FEM processor, for computing according to an FEM generation program executed in the FEM processor;
• and
• a storage connected to the computer, for storing in an FEM data storing area temporary models and a final solid mesh resulting from an FEM generation operation,
• wherein the FEM processor includes:
• a surface mesher for generating a surface mesh of a three-dimensional model using three-dimensional model information stored in the FEM data storing area;
• a bottom shape generator for generating a bottom shape being a projected contour of the three-dimensional model using one of the three-dimensional model information or the surface mesh;
• a bottom mesher for generating a bottom mesh by meshing the bottom shape;
• a solid base mesher for generating a solid base mesh by repeatedly stacking solid elements on a base side formed of two-dimensional elements of the bottom mesh;
• and
• a final solid mesher for generating a final solid mesh by substituting the surface mesh into the solid base mesh by inserting the surface mesh into a three-dimensional structure formed by the solid base mesh, distinguishing solid elements surrounded by the surface mesh in the solid base mesh, and eliminating all solid elements from the solid base mesh that are not surrounded by the surface mesh.