Automatic Adaptive Triangulation of Surfaces in Parametric Space

Abstract

Based on the advancing front method (AFM), an automatic adaptive mesh generation method is proposed for triangulating three-dimensional parametric surfaces. Both the new node and new triangle element are generated in twodimensional parametric space, while the error between the triangle and the original surface in three-dimensional physical space is kept within the defined tolerance. The validity checking of the new triangle element, including the intersection checking and range control, is then carried out, and the corresponding correction measure is also discussed in the context. Numerical experiments together with analysis are given to illustrate the efficiency and robustness of the algorithm.