GEN3D: A GENESIS database 2D to 3D transformation program

Abstract

GEN3D is a three-dimensional mesh generation program. The three- dimensional mesh is generated by mapping a two-dimensional mesh into three dimensions according to one of four types of transformations: translating, rotating, mapping onto a spherical surface, and mapping onto a cylindrical surface. The generated three-dimensional mesh can then be reoriented by offsetting, reflecting about an axis, and revolving about an axis. GEN3D can be used to mesh geometries that are axisymmetric or planar, but, due to three-dimensional loading or boundary conditions, require a three-dimensional finite element mesh and analysis. More importantly, it can be used to mesh complex three-dimensional geometries composed of several sections when the sections can be defined in terms of transformations of two-dimensional geometries. The code GJOIN is then used to join the separate sections into a single body. GEN3D reads and writes two-dimensional and three- dimensional mesh databases in the GENESIS database format; therefore, it is compatible with the preprocessing, postprocessing,and analysis codes used by the Engineering Analysis Department at Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM. 19 refs., 7 figs.