A triangular finite element mesh generator for fluid dynamic systems of arbitrary geometry

Abstract

AbstractA two‐dimensional finite element mesh generator capable of discretizing arbitrarily shaped flow regions is described. This economical, interactive computer code, written in FORTRAN IV and employing PLOT 10 software together with TEKTRONIX graphics terminals (4000 series or similar devices), generates a triangular network of variable element density according to the geometry and local kinematic flow patterns of a given fluid flow problem. The algorithm is an easy‐to‐use preprocessor and mesh generator delivering for a particular source program suitable input data which contribute to a higher degree of accuracy, efficiency and flexibility of the numerical scheme.The code was tested for the triangularization of the confluence region of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers with two islands forming subchannels of different sizes.