Linking Discrete Equilibrium-Based Form Finding and Continuum FEM Analysis for Early-Stage Structural Design
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Equilibrium-based form-finding enables rapid exploration of structural design alternatives but provides limited insight into deformation- and material-dependent behavior. This contribution presents a multi-fidelity workflow that integrates discrete equilibrium models with finite element analysis as an evaluative layer. By selectively transferring promising candidates to high-fidelity models, the approach supports mechanically informed comparison and early-stage design decisions. The method is demonstrated on a shell-like structural benchmark.
