Automated Quadrilateral Coarsening by Ring Collapse

In most finite element analysis, a uniform mesh is not the optimum way to model the problem. Mesh adaptation is the ability to modify a finite element model to include regions of the mesh with higher and lower node density. Mesh adaptation has received extensive study in both computational mechanics and computer graphics to increase the resolution or accuracy of the solution in specific areas. The algorithm developed in this thesis, the Automated Quadrilateral Coarsening by Ring Collapse (AQCRC) algorithm, provides a unique solution to allow conformal coarsening of both structured and unstructured quadrilateral finite element meshes. The algorithm is based on dual chord operations and dual chord removal. The AQCRC algorithm follows six steps: 1) input of a coarsening region and factor, 2) selection of coarsening rings, 3) improvement of mesh quality, 4) removal of coarsening rings, 5) mesh clean-up and 6) coarsening iterations. Examples are presented that show the application of the algorithm.

Name thesis:degree_name

MS

Grantor dc:publisher

Brigham Young University - Provo

Author dc:creator

• Dewey, Mark William

• quadrilateral
• coarsening
• simplification
• FEA
• finite element
• mesh
• adaptation
• refinement
• Civil and Environmental Engineering

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/1347

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarsarchive.byu.edu:etd-2346