CSALF-Q: A bricolage algorithm for anisotropic quad mesh generation

Abstract

"Bricolage", a multidisciplinary term used extensively in visual arts, anthropology and cultural studies, refers to a creation that borrows elements from a diverse range of existing designs. The term is applied here to describe CSALF-Q, a new automatic 2D quad meshing algorithm that combines the strengths of recursive subdivision, loop-paving and transfinite interpolation to generate surface meshes that are anisotropic yet boundary structured, robust yet sensitive to size fields and competitive in performance. This algorithm is based on the understanding of boundary loops which are initially meshed recursively with a new, boundary based "loop-paving" technique that balances anisotropy and mesh quality. The remaining interior domain is filled out by a symbiotic process that shuttles between recursive subdivision, transfinite interpolation and loop-paving in an efficient manner. The mesh is finally cleaned and smoothed. Loop-fronts are classified and rule sets are defined for each, to aid optimum point placement. Stencils used for loop-closure are presented. Results are presented that compare both local and global element quality of meshes generated by the new algorithm with that of TQM (TriaQua Mesher) which is also known to handle variegated sizemaps.