A clustering tool for interrogating finite element models based on eigenvectors of graph adjacency

TL;DR

This paper presents an unsupervised clustering algorithm based on eigenvectors of the adjacency matrix to debug finite element models, integrated into a commercial software for practical use and validation.

Contribution

It introduces a novel eigenvector-based clustering algorithm for FE model debugging and details its deployment as a practical tool within existing software.

Findings

Successfully used for debugging real-world FE models

Integrated into Oasys GSA software

Demonstrated effectiveness through practical examples

Abstract

This note introduces an unsupervised learning algorithm to debug errors in finite element (FE) simulation models and details how it was productionised. The algorithm clusters degrees of freedom in the FE model using numerical properties of the adjacency of its stiffness matrix. The algorithm has been deployed as a tool called `Model Stability Analysis' tool within the commercial structural FE suite Oasys GSA (www.oasys-software.com/gsa). It has been used successfully by end-users for debugging real world FE models and we present examples of the tool in action.