Abstract. We present an algorithm for the generation of coarse and fine finite element (FE) meshes on multiply connected surfaces, based on the medial axis transform (MAT). The MAT is employed to automatically decompose a complex shape into topologically simple subdomains, and to extract important shape characteristics and their length scales. Using this technique, we can create a coarse subdivision of a complex surface and select local element size to generate fine triangular meshes within those subregions in an automated manner. Therefore, this approach can lead to integration of fully automatic FE mesh generation functionality into FE preprocessing systems.
In this paper we develop a new interrogation method based on the medial axis transform to extract some important global shape characteristics from geometric representations. These shape characteristics include constrictions, maximum thickness points, and associated length scales; isolation of holes and their proximity information; and a set of topologically simple subdomains decomposing a complex domain. The algorithm we develop to compute the medial axis transform of planar multiply connected shapes with curved boundaries can automatically identify these characteristics. Higher level algorithms for generation of finite element meshes of planar multiply connected domains, adaptive triangulation and approximation of trimmed curved surface patches and other engineering applications using the medial axis transform are also discussed.
Abstract. We present an algorithm for the generation of coarse and fine finite element (FE) meshes on multiply connected surfaces, based on the medial axis transform (MAT). The MAT is employed to automatically decompose a complex shape into topologically simple subdomains, and to extract important shape characteristics and their length scales. Using this technique, we can create a coarse subdivision of a complex surface and select local element size to generate fine triangular meshes within those subregions in an automated manner. Therefore, this approach can lead to integration of fully automatic FE mesh generation functionality into FE preprocessing systems.
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