Author(s)

R. Hoshiko & M. Kawahara

Abstract

The purpose of this research is automatic generating 3-dimensional finite element mesh using the Delaunay method. In the present age, numerical analysis is used in various problems. The finite element method is one analytical approach using the finite element mesh. But, there are problems in that large scale finite element mesh generation takes a lot of time and cost. As for the large scale finite element mesh, data are enormous, and it is almost impossible for generation only by manual labor. In addition, the mesh generators prevail, but those do not always generate meshes in response to the demand of the user. It is necessary to generate mesh for the user’s purpose. The Delaunay method is a technique to divide the domain into tetrahedra by using a set of nodes that are distributed arbitrarily. This technique can be applied to generate finite element meshes of complicated configuration, that is to say, practical models. In this research, generating a Suemune tunnel and mountain-shaped analysis model using the Delaunay method is presented. But, the Delaunay method cannot dispose the concave faces and interior boundaries.When generating mesh without device, inadequate elements are generated on concave faces and interior boundaries. The mesh of the concave faces and interior boundaries cannot be generated only by the Delaunay method. These problems can be solved by Virtual nodes. The Virtual nodes represent the nodes that are generated to remove inadequate elements. Keywords: Delaunay method, Super tetrahedron, Virtual nodes. 1 Introduction In recent years, the performance of the electric computer has drastically improved and the technology of numerical analysis is highly progressed. Therefore it is possible to carry out large scale numerical simulation. For example, control water

Keywords

Delaunay method, Super tetrahedron, Virtual nodes.