Automatic Three-Dimensional Finite Element Mesh Generation via Modified ray Casting
Yeker, Cengiz and Ibrahim Zeid
International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, Wiley, Vol 38, pp.2573-2601, 1995
Three-dimensional (3-D) finite element mesh generation has been a target of automation due to the complexities associated with generating and visualising the mesh. A fully automatic 3-D mesh generation method is developed. The method is capable of meshing CSG solid models. It is based on modifying the classical ray-casting technique to meet the requirements of mesh generation. The modifications include the utilization of the element size in the casting process, the utilization of 3D space box enclosures, and the casting of ray segments (rays with finite length). The method begins by casting ray segments into the solid. Based on the interscetions between the segments and the solid boundary, the solid is discretized into cells arranged in a structure. The cell structure stores neighborhood relations between its cells. Each cell is meshed with valid finite elements. Mesh continuity between cells is achieved via the neighborhood relations. The last step is to process the boundary elements to represent closely the boundary. The method has been tested and applied to a number of solid models. Sample examples are presented.
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