This paper presents the potentials of applied isogeometric finite element analysis by discussing a variety of case studies in the context of lightweight design. Isogeometric Analysis (IGA) is a modern, non-standard discretization approach for finite element analysis, which uses Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) to describe the geometry (CAD) as well as the physics (CAE) of the system within the same modelling environment. Consequently, the gap between design and analysis is greatly reduced, as one consistent mathematical model description is used throughout the entire design process. Hence, IGA allows to unveil new potentials in computer-aided structural engineering, as it enables a tighter link between the digital design environments of architecture and engineering. This potential is highlighted in the paper through a series of case studies which were developed using the Rhino/Grasshopper plugin Kiwi3d. The case studies shown include form finding, complex non-linear analysis, as well as the simulation of building and assembly processes.     «

This paper presents the potentials of applied isogeometric finite element analysis by discussing a variety of case studies in the context of lightweight design. Isogeometric Analysis (IGA) is a modern, non-standard discretization approach for finite element analysis, which uses Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) to describe the geometry (CAD) as well as the physics (CAE) of the system within the same modelling environment. Consequently, the gap between design and analysis is greatly reduced,...     »