These slides were presented at the NAFEMS World Congress 2025, held in Salzburg, Austria from May 19–22, 2025.

Abstract

Isogeometric analysis (IGA) has long been heralded as a transformative approach to simulation, uniting the precision of computer-aided design (CAD) with the rigor of engineering analysis. Coreform'™s Flex Representation Method (FRM) takes this promise to the next level, delivering a revolutionary workflow that eliminates the traditional bottleneck that is mesh generation. By immersing CAD geometry into a background mesh of high-order spline elements and employing innovative trimming, quadrature, and solver techniques, FRM achieves a meshing-free approach to simulation that dramatically accelerates setup time without compromising accuracy or capability. Coreform Flex, the first commercial native IGA solver, leverages FRM to tackle some of the most complex nonlinear engineering challenges faced today. These include large deformations, contact mechanics, incompressible elasticity, plasticity, and multiphysics problems, all of which are difficult to model with traditional methods. FRM'™s ability to handle complicated geometries without labor-intensive defeaturing and meshing offers engineers a new level of flexibility and efficiency. Coupled with the superior numerical properties of high-order splines, this approach ensures robust and reliable simulations, even for challenging real-world scenarios. In this presentation, we will delve into the foundational concepts behind FRM and demonstrate its capabilities on real-world engineering applications. Attendees will gain insight into how FRM simplifies workflows, enhances simulation fidelity, and enables rapid analysis of complex systems. We will also provide a overview of the underlying mathematics and algorithms that make FRM uniquely effective. Additionally, we will discuss which applications of IGA and FRM are likely to deliver the most immediate value for practicing engineers. From aerospace to defense to automotive and biomedical, Coreform Flex offers a transformative solution for industries seeking to solve their most demanding problems efficiently. We will also touch on emerging technologies that complement IGA and share our perspective on how simulation tools can evolve to better meet the growing demands of the CAE community. This session is designed for engineers, researchers, and simulation experts who want to explore cutting-edge methods that reduce their total time to solution, while expanding the scope of solvable problems. Join us to discover how Coreform Flex is redefining simulation and unlocking the full potential of IGA, empowering engineers to tackle challenges once thought insurmountable.