An improved algorithm to smooth graded quadrilateral meshes preserving the prescribed element size

Abstract

In the generation of quadrilateral unstructured meshes, special attention is focussed to the shape of the elements. This is because it is well known that the distortion of the elements and the accuracy of the analysis are closely related. However, in adaptive schemes it is also essential that the newly generated mesh meets the prescribed element sizes in order to obtain a solution with the desired precision. In 1982 Giuliani developed a robust rezoning algorithm based on geometrical criteria. It gives proven results in a smooth element size distribution, but elements do not verify the prescribed element size when sharp distribution appear. This paper presents a modification of the Giuliani method that generates non-distorted elements while preserving the element size. Similar to the original method, this modification can be extended to three-dimensional cases. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.