Abstract

The development of algorithms that effectively modify all-hexahedral finite element mesh is currently an active area of research. Mesh modification can be used to improve mesh quality reduce the time required to mesh a model, and improve the finite element analysis results. However, general modification of all-hexahedral meshes has proven difficult because of the global effects of local modifications. This thesis explains the global constraints on modifying all-hexahedral meshes and then presents three mesh modification techniques that make it possible to do local modifications while accounting for the global effects. These techniques are sheet insertion, sheet extraction, and mesh cutting. Sheet insertion is used to refine a mesh by inserting sheets of hexahedral elements into existing meshes. Sheet extraction coarsens existing meshes by deleting sheets of elements from the mesh. Mesh cutting is used to modify a simple mesh to fit it to complex geometric feature. The mesh modification techniques are covered in detail with representative graphics. Examples are given that demonstrate the application of each technique to the mesh generation process.

Degree

College and Department

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology; Civil and Environmental Engineering

Rights

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