[vtk-developers] how to handle FEM data in VTK?

[Pierre JUILLARD]

Hi all,

I would like to have information about the best way to handle FEM data in
VTK file.

Mainly, we use shell meshes (triangles or quadrangles) and the following
data would be manipulated in VTK:
- reduced element or fully integrated (1 or 4 integration point in the
neutral fibre)
- different integration point over thickness per element (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11,
...)
- different integration algorithms over thickness (GAUSS, SIMPSON, ....)
defining different weight and locations of these integration points over
thickness
- stress tensor at each integration point over thickness
- strain tensor at each integration point over thickness
- effective plastic strain at each integration point over thickness
- thickness at each integration point in the neutral fibre
and possibly additional results per integration points...

This topic seems to have already been tackled.
Indeed, I have read several posts about the vtkLSDynaReader class, as well
as its documentation on
http://public.kitware.com/VTK/doc/nightly/html/classvtkLSDynaReader.html

As it is indicated in one of the post, the ultimate goal would be to benefit
from vtk format/library to manipulate FEM data, and  from ParaView as
PostProcessor

However, from these posts, it seems that VTK is not really fitted to store
FEM data, and for such a purpose, a good knowledge in VTK is necessary. It
may also be necessary to extend it.

Most notably, it seems currently possible to have only one scalar field,
vector field, and tensor field per element. In the last VTK versions, has
this "limitation" been overriden?
Is it possible to store several fields of different types per element?

Would you have some advices about the best way to proceed?
Is there somewhere some guidelines/tutorials?

It the VTK format has still some limitations, is it foreseen to override
them in the next release?

I thank you for your help.

Cheers,
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