Hexahedral mesh modification to preserve volume. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Le Goff, Nicolas; Ledoux, Franck; Owen, Steven
• Is Part Of: Computer aided design. Volume 105(2018)
• Page Start: 42
• Page End: 54
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Hexahedral mesh -- Interface reconstruction -- Volume fraction -- Volume preservation -- Overlay grid; 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.2018.07.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0010-4485

Abstract

Abstract: In this work, we provide a new post-processing procedure for automatically adjusting node locations of an all-hex mesh to better match the volume of a reference geometry. This process is particularly well-suited for mesh-first approaches, as overlay grid ones. In practice, hexahedral meshes generated via an overlay grid procedure, where a precise reference geometry representation is unknown or is impractical to use, do not provide for precise volumetric preservation. A discrete volume fraction representation of the reference geometry M I on an overlay grid is compared with a volume fraction representation of a 3D finite element mesh M O . This work introduces the notion of localized discrepancy between M I and M O and uses it to design a procedure that relocates mesh nodes to more accurately match a reference geometry. We demonstrate this procedure on a wide range of hexahedral meshes generated with the Sculpt code and show improved volumetric preservation while still maintaining acceptable mesh quality. Highlights: Definition of a localized discrepancy. Volume preservation improvement of a mesh. Different kinds of inputs were tested.