Volumetric mesh generation from T-spline surface representations. (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harmel, Maximilian; Sauer, Roger A.; Bommes, David
• Is Part Of: Computer aided design. Volume 82(2017)
• Page Start: 13
• Page End: 28
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: Volumetric meshing -- Isogeometric analysis -- T-splines -- Surface enrichment -- Zone enrichment -- Finite elements analysis; Computer-aided design -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Computer graphics -- Periodicals; Conception technique -- Informatique -- Périodiques; Infographie -- Périodiques; Computer graphics; Engineering design -- Data processing; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.00420285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cad.2016.07.017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0010-4485

Abstract

Abstract: A new approach to obtain a volumetric discretization from a T-spline surface representation is presented. A T-spline boundary zone is created beneath the surface, while the core of the model is discretized with Lagrangian elements. T-spline enriched elements are used as an interface between isogeometric and Lagrangian finite elements. The thickness of the T-spline zone and thereby the isogeometric volume fraction can be chosen arbitrarily large such that pure Lagrangian and pure isogeometric discretizations are included. The presented approach combines the advantages of isogeometric elements (accuracy and smoothness) and classical finite elements (simplicity and efficiency). Different heat transfer problems are solved with the finite element method using the presented discretization approach with different isogeometric volume fractions. For suitable applications, the approach leads to a substantial accuracy gain. Highlights: The proposed method enables automatic generation of a volumetric mesh. It can be applied to arbitrary surfaces representations of genus 0. Isogeometric and classical finite elements are combined. The application to thermal problems leads to a substantial accuracy gain.