CBC substitution: an adaptive approach for dynamic simulation

Abstract

This paper introduces an adaptive meshing algorithm to handle problems in dynamic finite element analysis and runtime simulation, where mesh re-generation or dynamic adjustment is required. Based on a concept called CBC (coded box cell) Substitution, this algorithm can be applied to both initial mesh generation and dynamic mesh adjustment along the border zones of multiple primitives that form an entire model. During the initial mesh generation, appropriate labels are assigned to the nodes and the faces of each finite element. These labels are used to facilitate decision-makings in dynamic mesh adjustment. A mapping technique is adopted to transform curved surfaces to plain ones for the ease of automatic mesh adjustment while still using the same algorithm. The meshing examples show that a finite element mesh can be adjusted dynamically and locally around its border zone; and the algorithm can be utilised effectively to simulate the thermal behaviour of a device under real operating conditions.