5. 3D Volume Mesh Generation - TetMesh, VolMesh

CEETRON Mesh supports automatic, generally unstructured 3D volume mesh generation using the TetMesh and VolMesh objects. The TetMesh object is strictly designed for tetrahedral meshing in which only triangular input faces (boundary and internal) are allowed. The VolMesh object is designed to allow for both triangular and quadrilateral faces to be input and allow pyramids to be generated from the boundary. If VolMesh is unable to completely fill a volume with pyramids the remainder of the volume is filled with tetrahedra.

5.1. 3D Tetrahedral Mesh Generation - TetMesh

The TetMesh module provides for the automatic generation of linear, parabolic or cubic tetrahedral elements given a surface mesh of linear, parabolic or cubic triangles. By default, the mesh generation procedure is guaranteed to not alter the surface mesh in any way. The node numbering of the surface mesh is preserved in the node numbering and connectivity of the resultant tetrahedral mesh. The input surface mesh is checked for closure, that is, all input surface triangles must be connected to at least one triangle across each edge.

The functions associated with a TetMesh object are the following.

Instance a TetMesh object using vis_TetMeshBegin(). Once a TetMesh object is instanced, define the number of nodes and triangles which define the surface mesh as well as the order of the triangles (linear, parabolic or cubic) using vis_TetMeshDef(). The surface mesh is then input as a set of nodes in 3D space and a set of triangle connectivities. The nodes are defined using vis_TetMeshSetNode(), the boundary triangle connectivities are defined using vis_TetMeshSetTri(). Each edge in the boundary triangulation must be connected to an even number of boundary triangles - usually two. Interior edges may be specified using vis_TetMeshSetEdge(). The interior edges may connect to the exterior boundary triangulation. Interior faces may be defined by specifying two “double backed” triangles with opposite connectivity sense. By default, the connectivity of the triangles is such that the normal to the triangle is pointed out of the volume. The direction of the normal is determined by the right-hand rule applied to the triangle connectivity.

As a convenience, the function vis_TetMeshConnect() will take the contents of a Connect object and set it as the geometric input to TetMesh. The typical case is using the Connect object which contains the mesh generated by a previous call to vis_SurfMeshGenerate() or vis_SurfMeshRefine(). The function assumes certain “best practices” conventions have been used with respect to the node and element associations which have been set to identify the underlying geometry entities.

The function vis_TetMeshSetParami() is used to set integer parameters which affect the mesh generation process. It is possible to specify parabolic or cubic tetrahedra to be produced if the input triangles are linear. In this case nodes are added to the edges lying on the input surface triangulation to create the higher order tetrahedra throughout. By default the output tetrahedra are the same order as the input triangles. If parabolic or cubic triangles are input, then only parabolic or cubic tetrahedra respectively are generated. Also the sense of the normals of the input triangles may be changed so that normals are expected to point into the volume. The function vis_TetMeshSetParamd() is used to set real double precision parameters which control the quality and size of the generated tetrahedra. A global target edge length for interior elements may be prescribed. Specific, location dependent, sizes may be set at input nodes using vis_TetMeshSetNodeSizing() and for regions using vis_TetMeshSetTriSizing().

By default, all input nodes must be connected to input boundary triangles and interior edges and faces. If unconnected nodes are to be inserted in the interior then the user must call vis_TetMeshSetParami() to enable parameter type TETMESH_UNCONNECT.

The user is able to define integer associations at nodes and triangles which will be assigned to the node and elements generated on the respective entity. These associations are useful for identifying nodes and elements in the output mesh for the application of loads, boundary conditions, material properties, etc. The function vis_TetMeshSetNodeAssoc() is used to set associations at nodes generated at input points. The function vis_TetMeshSetNodeAssoc() may be called any number of times for a single node with the same association type. The association values are accumulated as multiple association on the node. The function vis_TetMeshSetTriAssoc() is used to set associations which will be attached to nodes generated along triangle edges or on triangle faces. These associations will also be generated as element entity associations along the respective tetrahedron edges and faces connected to the input triangles. The element associations are useful for tagging tetrahedra generated with an enclosed boundary, etc.

Finally the function vis_TetMeshGenerate() generates the nodes and elements and enters them into a Connect object. The mesh generation process may fail due to errors in the surface triangles or failure of the tetrahedralization procedure. Use vis_TetMeshGetInteger() to query for detailed information concerning errors in the surface triangles, etc.

During the mesh generation process, the input surface triangulation and triangle corner node locations (by default) remain unchanged. However, the midside node locations may be perturbed under certain circumstances to satisfy quality constraints in the output tetrahedra. The function vis_TetMeshSetParami() is used to set the parameter VIS_MESH_MIDSIDEQUAL which controls the overall movement of midside nodes. By default all midside nodes are susceptible to movement.

The function vis_TetMeshWrite() is provided to write a complete description of the defined input surface mesh and meshing parameters to a file. The primary use of this file is to encapsulate cases in which the TetMesh module should fail in some respect. This output file can then be made available to Tech Soft 3D for failure diagnosis of TetMesh meshing algorithms.

The TetMesh module provides for a monitor callback function to be specified which is called intermittently during the mesh generation process in vis_TetMeshGenerate(). The primary purpose of this function is to allow the user to interrupt or interrogate the on-going mesh generation process for any reason. If mesh generation is to be terminated, call vis_TetMeshAbort(). This call will set an internal flag which will cause vis_TetMeshGenerate() to terminate the mesh generation process and return. In addition, a user defined sizing callback function may be set. Set callback functions using vis_TetMeshSetFunction().

The following code fragment illustrates the basic framework of using the TetMesh module to generate linear tetrahedral finite elements in a volume bounded by the surface defined by a set of linear triangular facets.

                /* declare objects */
vis_TetMesh *tetmesh;
vis_Connect *connect;
                /* input surface triangles */
Vint numnode, numtris;
Vdouble xpnt[][3] = { ... };
Vint ixtri[][3] = { ... };
Vint ierr;

                /* create tetmesh object */
tetmesh = vis_TetMeshBegin ();
vis_TetMeshDef (tetmesh,numnode,numtris,2);

                /* define nodes and triangles */
for (i = 0; i < numnode; i++) {
    vis_TetMeshSetNode (tetmesh,i+1,xpnt[i]);
}
for (i = 0; i < numtris; i++) {
    vis_TetMeshSetTri (tetmesh,i+1,ixtri[i]);
}

                /* create empty connect object to hold generated mesh */
connect = vis_ConnectBegin ();
vis_ConnectDef (connect,0,0);

                /* generate mesh */
vis_TetMeshGenerate (tetmesh,connect);

                /* process any errors */
ierr = vis_TetMeshError (tetmesh);
if(ierr) {
    ...
}
                /* access generated nodes and elements from Connect */
...
                /* delete objects */
vis_ConnectEnd (connect);
vis_TetMeshEnd (tetmesh);

5.2. Non-manifold Geometry, Voids, Inclusions and Hard Nodes and Edges

The TetMesh module supports the solid meshing of non-manifold geometries containing voids and inclusions. Any number of internal hard nodes and edges may be enforced in the final mesh.

The geometry input to the TetMesh module consists of nodes, boundary triangles and enforced edges and faces. All input nodes are considered to be hard points and by default are not moved. All boundary triangles are input using vis_TetMeshSetTri() and may include external boundary triangles (including the boundaries of voids) and internal boundary triangles representing inclusions and other internal surfaces. All triangles representing internal surfaces must be “double backed”, ie for each triangle there must be an associated coincident triangle with opposite connectivity sense. Boundary triangles are subject to change during refinement operations. Internal hard edges which are enforced in the final mesh are input using vis_TetMeshSetEdge().

5.3. Mesh Refinement and Adaptivity

A tetrahedral mesh can be refined using vis_TetMeshRefine(). Mesh refinement is performed on the mesh resulting from the call to vis_TetMeshGenerate() or the last previous call to vis_TetMeshRefine(). The refinement process usually occurs as a result of a need to change element sizing due to the results of a solution performed on the mesh. A new mesh size is specified using a vis_State object of sizes per element in the mesh to be refined. If an element size is set to zero, the element will not be refined.

During refinement existing nodes are not moved. Refinement is performed by splitting edges and performing allowable swaps. All corner node identifiers are retained, midside node identifiers are, in general, reassigned. Additional nodes are generated to satisfy the refinement requirements. Any input triangle or interior edge is not swapped, any triangle edge with a specified association is not swapped. By default all boundary triangles and edges may be subdivided by the refinement process. Use the functions vis_TetMeshSetTriStat() and vis_TetMeshSetEdgeStat(). to mark entities which are not to be subdivided.

Mesh refinement is supported both for meshes generated with vis_TetMeshGenerate() or for orphan meshes. In the case of orphan meshes, in addition to specifying the triangle-discretized boundary and its associations, the orphan mesh is specified by entering each original element with vis_TetMeshSetElem().

5.4. Function Descriptions

The currently available TetMesh functions are described in detail in this section.

vis_TetMesh *vis_TetMeshBegin(void)

create an instance of a TetMesh object

Create an instance of an TetMesh object. Memory is allocated for the object private data and the pointer to the data is returned.

Destroy an instance of a TetMesh object using 

void vis_TetMeshEnd (vis_TetMesh *tetmesh)

Return the current value of a TetMesh object error flag using 

Vint vis_TetMeshError (vis_TetMesh *tetmesh)

Returns:

The function returns a pointer to the newly created TetMesh object. If the object creation fails, NULL is returned.

void vis_TetMeshEnd(vis_TetMesh *p)

destroy an instance of a TetMesh object

See vis_TetMeshBegin()

Vint vis_TetMeshError(vis_TetMesh *p)

return the current value of a TetMesh object error flag

See vis_TetMeshBegin()

void vis_TetMeshDef(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint numnode, Vint numtris, Vint maxi)

define number of nodes, tris.

Define the number of nodes and triangles which define the input surface mesh. The number of nodes on a surface triangle edge is specified by maxi. Define node coordinates using vis_TetMeshSetNode() and define triangle connectivities which reference the input nodes using vis_TetMeshSetTr().

Inquire of defined numnode, numtris and maxi as output arguments using 

void vis_TetMeshInq (vis_TetMesh *tetmesh,
                     Vint *numnode,
                     Vint *numtris,
                     Vint *maxi)

Errors

VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper maxi is input or numnode is less than or equal to zero or numtris is less than zero.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • numnode – Number of nodes on input surface mesh

  • numtris – Number of triangles on input surface mesh

  • maxi – Number of nodes on triangle edge 

    =2            Linear surface triangles
=3            Parabolic surface triangles
=4            Cubic surface triangles

void vis_TetMeshInq(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint *numnode, Vint *numtris, Vint *maxi)

inquire of defined numnode, numtris and maxi as output arguments

See vis_TetMeshDef()

void vis_TetMeshSetFunction(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint funtype, Vfunc *function, Vobject *object)

set a call back function

Set callback functions. By default the callback functions are NULL. A callback is not invoked if it is NULL.

The monitor callback function prototype is 

void function (vis_TetMesh *tetmesh,
               Vobject *object)
The first argument is the TetMesh object, tetmesh, and the second is a user defined object, object.

The sizing callback function prototype is 

void function (vis_TetMesh *tetmesh,
               Vobject *object,
               Vdouble x[3],
               Vdouble *s)
The first argument is the TetMesh object, tetmesh, the second is a user defined object, object, the third is the coordinate location x and the fourth is the returned size s.

The anisotropic sizing callback function prototype is 

void function (vis_TetMesh *tetmesh,
               Vobject *object,
               Vdouble x[3],
               Vdouble s[3][3])
The first argument is the TetMesh object, tetmesh, the second is a user defined object, object, the third is the coordinate location x and the fourth is the returned anisotropic scaled orthogonal direction vectors. The first 3 components are the first size scaled direction, the next 3 components are the second size scaled direction, the next 3 components are the third size scaled direction.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • funtype – Type of callback function to set 

    x=SYS_FUNCTION_MONITOR     Monitor callback
 =SYS_FUNCTION_SIZING      Sizing callback
 =SYS_FUNCTION_ASIZING     Anisotropic sizing callback

  • function – Pointer to callback function

  • object – Pointer to the object to be returned as function argument

void vis_TetMeshSetParami(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint ptype, Vint iparam)

set mesh generation parameters

Specify mesh generation parameters. These parameters specify the order and connectivity convention to be used for the generated tetrahedra.

The parameter VIS_MESH_MAXI sets the order of the generated tetrahedral elements by specifying the number of nodes to generate along an edge. A value of 2 generates linear tetrahedra, a value of 3 generates parabolic tetrahedra and a value of 4 generates cubic tetrahedra. By default VIS_MESH_MAXI is set to the order of the input surface triangles defined by vis_TetMeshDef(). Note that the order of the generated tetrahedra can only be changed from the default if linear input surface triangles are input.

The parameter VIS_MESH_INWARD sets the normal convention of the input triangles to point into the volume. By default VIS_MESH_INWARD is set to SYS_OFF, that is, the triangle normals are expected to point out of the volume.

The parameter VIS_MESH_DELAUNAY requests that the final mesh satisfy the Delaunay criterion. By default VIS_MESH_DELAUNAY is set to SYS_OFF.

The parameter VIS_MESH_INTERREFINE enables the refinement of the interior. If this parameter is disabled, the generation of zero interior points is not guaranteed. The placement of zero interior points is impossible in some cases. By default VIS_MESH_INTERREFINE is set to SYS_ON.

The parameter VIS_MESH_MIDSIDEQUAL toggles the adjustment of midside nodes of parabolic and cubic elements to satisfy specified quality constraints. The midside nodes are adjusted to ensure that all node Jacobians are positive and that the Jacobian ratio in any element is less than the specified upper Jacobian ratio bound. This bound is specified using vis_TetMeshSetParamd(). This procedure normally moves the midside node location of interior edges to satisfy quality constraints. It may move midside nodes on the surface triangulation in rare cases. By default VIS_MESH_MIDSIDEQUAL is set to SYS_ON.

The parameter VIS_MESH_FUNSIZINGMIN is used to control the way final element sizing is computed when a sizing callback is installed. By default, the sizing returned by the sizing callback is used. If VIS_MESH_FUNSIZINGMIN is enabled, then the sizing is the minimum of the sizing callback and normal sizing. By default VIS_MESH_FUNSIZINGMIN is set to VIS_OFF.

The parameter VIS_MESH_POINTSET requests a Delaunay tetrahedralization of the input points. The mesh boundary is the convex hull of the point set. By default VIS_MESH_POINTSET is set to SYS_OFF.

The parameter VIS_MESH_REPAIRINCONS toggles the repair of inconsistent connectivity of input triangles. If enabled, all input triangle connectivities are checked for consistent sense and enclosing positive total volume. The connectivities are then selectively reversed to enforce consistency and total positive volume. By default VIS_MESH_REPAIRINCONS is set to SYS_OFF.

By default, all input nodes must be connected to input boundary triangles and interior edges and faces. If unconnected nodes are to be inserted in the interior then parameter TETMESH_UNCONNECT must be enabled. By default TETMESH_UNCONNECT is set to SYS_OFF.

Inquire of defined integer parameters as output arguments using 

void vis_TetMeshGetParami (vis_TetMesh *tetmesh,
                           Vint ptype,
                           Vint *iparam)

Errors

  • VIS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper ptype is specified.

  • VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper order of generated elements is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • ptype – Type of display parameter to set 

    x=VIS_MESH_MAXI          Order of generated elements
 =VIS_MESH_FUNSIZINGMIN  Size is min'ed with sizing callback
 =VIS_MESH_INWARD        Inward normal triangle flag.
 =VIS_MESH_DELAUNAY      Delaunay mesh flag
 =VIS_MESH_INTERREFINE   Interior refinement flag
 =VIS_MESH_MIDSIDEQUAL   Quality midside node adjustment
 =VIS_MESH_POINTSET      Delaunay tetrahedralization of point set
 =VIS_MESH_REPAIRINCONS  Repair inconsistent input
 =TETMESH_UNCONNECT      Toggle unconnected interior nodes

  • iparam – Specifies the integer value that ptype will be set to. 

    x=SYS_OFF                Disable
 =SYS_ON                 Enable

void vis_TetMeshGetParami(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint type, Vint *iparam)

get mesh generation parameters

See vis_TetMeshSetParami()

void vis_TetMeshSetParamd(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint ptype, Vdouble dparam)

set mesh generation parameters

Specify mesh generation parameters. These parameters are used to control the quality and size of the generated tetrahedra.

The parameter VIS_MESH_EDGELENGTH specifies a target edge length of generated tetrahedra. The edge length constraint may not be satisfied for tetrahedra generated near the surface mesh due to surface mesh sizing. By default VIS_MESH_EDGELENGTH is set to 1.

The parameter VIS_MESH_GROWTHRATE specifies a maximum growth rate. The growth rate governs the rate at which the size of adjacent elements can grow. The ratio of edge lengths of unconstrained adjacent elements will not exceed the specified growth rate. The growth rate must be greateer than 1.001. By default VIS_MESH_GROWTHRATE is set to 2.0

The parameter VIS_MESH_MAXEDGELENGTH specifies a maximum edge length of generated elements. The maximum edge length constraint may not be satisfied for tetrahedra generated near the surface mesh due to surface mesh sizing otherwise the maximum edge length is strictly enforced. By default VIS_MESH_MAXEDGELENGTH is set to 0. and is ignored.

The parameter VIS_MESH_MAXEDGEALT specifies an upper bound on the edge-altitude ratio of an element. The edge-altitude ratio is defined as the maximum edge length over the smallest altitude. A series of operations are performed in an attempt to satisfy the edge-altitude ratio quality. By default VIS_MESH_MAXEDGEALT is set to 100.

The parameter VIS_MESH_REFINEFACTOR controls the number of elements generated during vis_TetMeshRefine(). It specifies a factor to be applied to the number of starting elements to yield the maximum number of elements to be allowed in the refinement step. By default VIS_MESH_REFINEFACTOR is set to 10.

Inquire of defined double precision parameters as output arguments using 

void vis_TetMeshGetParamd (vis_TetMesh *tetmesh,
                           Vint ptype,
                           Vdouble *dparam)

Errors

  • VIS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper ptype is specified.

  • VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper value is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • ptype – Type of display parameter to set 

    x=VIS_MESH_EDGELENGTH     Target edge length
 =VIS_MESH_GROWTHRATE     Maximum growth rate
 =VIS_MESH_MAXEDGELENGTH  Maximum edge length
 =VIS_MESH_MAXEDGEALT     Maximum edge altitude ratio
 =VIS_MESH_MAXANGLE       Maximum dihedral angle
 =VIS_MESH_REFINEFACTOR   Control refine element count

  • dparam – Specifies the value that ptype will be set to.

void vis_TetMeshGetParamd(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint type, Vdouble *param)

get mesh generation parameters

See vis_TetMeshSetParamd()

void vis_TetMeshAbort(vis_TetMesh *p)

set abort flag

Set the contents of the Connect object as geometry input. All nodes and elements in the Connect object are set as input. All VIS_GEOVERT, VIS_GEOEDGE and VIS_GEOFACE associations on nodes are set. All VIS_GEOEDGE and VIS_GEOFACE associations on triangles are set as element entity associations. All VIS_GEOBODY associations are set as element associations. All VIS_GEOEDGE associations on edges are set.

Errors

VIS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if the Connect object does not contain proper element types to serve as boundary input.

Parameters:

p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

void vis_TetMeshSetNode(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint id, Vdouble x[3])

define a surface node

Set a node location. The node id must be in the interval 1 <= id <= numnode where numnode is defined by vis_TetMeshDef(). Input surface triangles are defined using vis_TetMeshSetTri().

Errors

VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • id – Node id

  • x – Node coordinate location

void vis_TetMeshSetNodeStat(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint id, Vint stat)

set surface node status

Set a surface corner or midside node movement status. By default all corner nodes may not be moved and all midside nodes may be moved. Set the status to 1 for any surface corner or midsides nodes which must not be moved for any reason. The default movement status of surface corner and midside nodes may be specified using vis_TetMeshSetParami().

Errors

VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • id – Node id

  • stat – Surface node status 

    =0       Surface node may be moved
=1       Surface node may not be moved

void vis_TetMeshSetNodeAssoc(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint type, Vint id, Vint aid)

define a node association

Set a node association. The association will be propagated to the node in the generated mesh. This function may be called any number of times for a particular node and association type, all association values are accumulated.

Errors

VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • type – Type of association

  • id – Node id

  • aid – Association value

void vis_TetMeshSetNodeSizing(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint id, Vdouble h)

set node sizing

Set element size to be enforced at a node.

Errors

VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • id – Node id

  • h – Sizing.

void vis_TetMeshSetTri(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint id, Vint ix[])

define a triangle

Set a surface triangle connectivity. The triangle id must be in the interval 1 <= id <= numtris where numtris is defined by vis_TetMeshDef(). The triangle connectivity, ix, must contain 3 nodes for linear surface triangles, 6 nodes for parabolic surface triangles and 9 nodes for cubic surface triangles. The connectivity convention for surface triangles is Serendipity (3 corner nodes followed by 3 or 6 midside nodes in counter clockwise direction). By default, the connectivity of the triangles is be such that the normal to the triangle is pointed out of the volume. The direction of the normal is determined by the right-hand rule applied to the triangle connectivity. The outward normal convention may be changed to an inward normal convention using vis_TetMeshSetParami(). Note that all triangles must be entered sequentially.

Errors

  • VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id is specified.

  • VIS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if an id is entered out of order.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • id – Triangle id

  • ix – Triangle connectivity

void vis_TetMeshSetTriAssoc(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint type, Vint id, Vint enttype, Vint no, Vint aid)

define a triangle association

Set associations to be assigned to generated tetrahedron elements, edges and faces. The entity type of SYS_EDGE will propagate the association to tetrahedron edges and all nodes on the triangle edge. The entity type of SYS_FACE will propagate the association to tetrahedron faces and all nodes on the triangle face. The entity type of SYS_ELEM will propagate the association to all tetrahedra adjacent to the specified triangle, bounded by adjacent input triangles. The value of no is ignored.

Errors

  • VIS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type or enttype is specified.

  • VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id or no is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • type – Type of association

  • id – Triangle id

  • enttype – Entity type to which association is assigned 

    =SYS_EDGE     Element edge association
=SYS_FACE     Element face association
=SYS_ELEM     Element association

  • no – Triangle edge or face number

  • aid – Association value

void vis_TetMeshSetTriStat(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint id, Vint no, Vint stat)

set triangle status

Set triangle status. By default triangle edges are not swapped or split during generation and may be split but not swapped during refinement.

Errors

VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id or no is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • id – Triangle id

  • no – Triangle edge number

  • stat – Status, bitwise OR 

    x=VIS_MESH_BIT_GENSPLIT     Split during generation
 =VIS_MESH_BIT_GENSWAP      Swap during generation
 =VIS_MESH_BIT_REFSPLIT     Split during refinement
 =VIS_MESH_BIT_REFSWAP      Swap during refinement

void vis_TetMeshSetTriSizing(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint id, Vdouble h)

set sizing within a region

Set element size to be enforced within a region. The region is defined as the material bound by input triangles that exists to the left of the specified triangle, ie. the normal of the triangle points out of the material region. If a size is specified on more than one triangle bounding a region, the minimum size is used for the region.

Errors

VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • id – Triangle id

  • h – Sizing.

void vis_TetMeshSetTriDepthSizing(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint id, Vdouble d, Vdouble h)

set sizing within a depth in a region

Set element size to be enforced within a specified depth from the input boundary triangle.

Errors

  • VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id is specified.

  • VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if either d or h is less than zero.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • id – Triangle id

  • d – Depth

  • h – Sizing

void vis_TetMeshSetEdge(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint id, Vint ix[])

set interior edge

Set an interior edge connectivity. The edge connectivity, ix, must contain 2 nodes for linear input surface triangles and 3 nodes for parabolic input surface triangles and 4 nodes for cubic input surface triangles. The nodes of an interior edge may be connected to the boundary.

Errors

VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id or ix is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • id – Edge id

  • ix – Edge connectivity

void vis_TetMeshSetEdgeStat(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint id, Vint stat)

set interior edge status

Set an interior edge status. By default interior edges are not swapped or split during generation and may be split but not swapped during refinement.

Errors

VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • id – Edge id

  • stat – Status, bitwise OR 

    x=VIS_MESH_BIT_GENSPLIT     Split during generation
 =VIS_MESH_BIT_GENSWAP      Swap during generation
 =VIS_MESH_BIT_REFSPLIT     Split during refinement
 =VIS_MESH_BIT_REFSWAP      Swap during refinement

void vis_TetMeshSetEdgeAssoc(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint type, Vint id, Vint aid)

set interior edge associations

Set associations at interior input edges which will propagate to generated tetrahedron edges.

Errors

  • VIS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type is specified.

  • VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • type – Type of association

  • id – Edge id

  • aid – Association value

void vis_TetMeshSetGeomSizing(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint type, Vdouble xo[3], Vdouble xa[3], Vdouble xb[3], Vdouble d[3], Vdouble h)

specify sizing within geometric shape

Set element size to be enforced within a geometric shape.

Errors

VIS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • type – Geometry type 

    x=VIS_MESH_GEOMSPHERE       Ellipsoid
 =VIS_MESH_GEOMCYLINDER     Ellipsoidal cylinder
 =VIS_MESH_GEOMBOX          Box

  • xo – Coordinates of geometry origin

  • xa – Coordinates of point along x’ axis

  • xb – Coordinates of point in x’y’ plane

  • d – Half length of geometric shape along each axis

  • h – Sizing

void vis_TetMeshGetConnect(vis_TetMesh *p, vis_Connect **connect)

get internal Connect object

Get the internal Connect object which contains the user input nodes and triangles. The Connect object must not be changed by the user.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • connect – [out] Pointer to Connect object.

void vis_TetMeshWrite(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint type, const Vchar *path)

write mesh description from file

Write a surface mesh description to a file which has been input to TetMesh. The contents of the file is intended for internal use only. This function should be called after all surface mesh input and meshing parameters have been set to ensure that an accurate surface mesh description including correct meshing parameters is written. The binary file format is preferred for accuracy and generally results in smaller file sizes. The primary use of this function is to create a file of the complete surface mesh description in the case that the TetMesh module fails to properly generate a mesh. This file can then be transmitted to Visual Kinematics for debugging purposes. It is suggested that a file extension of .tet be used for ASCII files and .btet be used for BINARY files.

Errors

  • SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type is specified.

  • SYS_ERROR_FILE is generated if the file can not be opened.

  • SYS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if the input surface mesh has not been defined.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • type – File type 

    x=SYS_ASCII              ASCII format
 =SYS_BINARY             Binary format

  • path – [out] File path

void vis_TetMeshRead(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint type, const Vchar *path)

read mesh description from file

Read a surface mesh description from a file which has been previously written by vis_TetMeshWrite(). The format of the file is not published and is intended for internal use only.

Errors

  • SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type is specified.

  • SYS_ERROR_FILE is generated if the file can not be opened.

  • SYS_ERROR_FORMAT is generated if the file contents are not correctly formatted or if a file written by a later version of TetMesh is read.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • type – File type 

    x=SYS_ASCII              ASCII format
 =SYS_BINARY             Binary format

  • path – [out] File path

void vis_TetMeshComputeVolume(vis_TetMesh *p, Vdouble *volume)

compute volume

Compute volume enclosed by input boundary.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • volume – [out] Computed volume

void vis_TetMeshGenerate(vis_TetMesh *p, vis_Connect *connect)

generate finite element mesh

Generate interior nodes and tetrahedral elements. The generated nodes and elements are appended to any existing nodes and elements in the input Connect object. The input surface triangles are checked for free edges, connectivity consistency, degeneracy, enclosing negative or zero volume, etc. Use vis_TetMeshGetInteger() is query for detailed information about the mesh generation process including errors.

Errors

  • VIS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if mesh generation fails due to errors detected in the surface triangles.

  • VIS_ERROR_COMPUTE is generated if mesh generation fails during tetrahedralization.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • connect – Pointer to Connect object to receive generated mesh

void vis_TetMeshGetInteger(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint type, Vint iparam[])

get integer mesh generation information

Query for integer mesh generation information. This function is useful for determining where errors in the mesh generation procedure occurred during a call to vis_TetMeshGenerate(). Use TETMESH_NUMFREEEDGE to determine the number of triangles which contained a free edge. The query TETMESH_FREEEDGE will return the list of all free edge triangles detected.

The query type TETMESH_NUMBOUNDINSERT returns the number of nodes inserted on the boundary during mesh generation. This number is generally zero and will only be non-zero in the rare case that a node needed to be inserted on the boundary as a last resort during the boundary recovery phase. The query TETMESH_BOUNDINSERT will return the list of nodes inserted on the boundary.

The query type TETMESH_NUMNONMAN returns the number of improper non-manifold boundary triangles detected in the input. This number will only include those triangles detected on the first non-manifold edge encountered, it will not generally include all non-manifold triangles. The query TETMESH_NONMAN will return the list of non-manifold triangles detected.

The query type TETMESH_NUMINCONS returns the number of inconsistent triangles detected in the input. This number will only include those triangles detected on the first inconsistent edge encountered, it will not generally include all inconsistent triangles. The query TETMESH_INCONS will return the list of inconsistent triangles detected.

The query type TETMESH_NUMNEGJAC returns the number of elements with negative corner Jacobians. This check is only performed if it is enabled using vis_TetMeshSetParami().

The query type TETMESH_NUMUNCONN returns the number of unconnected nodes detected in the input. The query TETMESH_UNCONN will return the list of unconnected nodes.

The query type TETMESH_NUMTRIZEROANG returns the number of input triangles with zero angle detected in the input. The query TETMESH_TRIZEROANG will return the list of zero angle triangles.

The query type TETMESH_NUMINTERSECT returns the number of input faces which intersect. The query TETMESH_INTERSECT will return the list of intersecting triangles.

The query type TETMESH_NUMINTERSECTPAIR returns the number of pairs of intersecting triangles. The query TETMESH_INTERSECTPAIR will return the list of pairs of intersecting triangles. Note that the array of triangles returned needs large enough to hold 2 times the number of triangle pairs triangles.

The query type TETMESH_NUMUNREC returns the number of input faces which were unable to be recovered. The query TETMESH_UNREC will return the list of unrecovered triangles.

The query type TETMESH_NUMNODEINSERT returns the number of input nodes which were unable to be inserted. The query TETMESH_NODEINSERT will return the list of nodes which were not inserted.

The query type VIS_MESH_PROGRESS returns information about the current state of the meshing process. This function is most useful when called from the monitor function. The following four integer values are returned. 

 iparam[0]   Meshing phase
             Phase 1 - Pre-processing boundary data
             Phase 2 - Boundary recovery
             Phase 3 - Generating interior points
             Phase 4 - Mesh cleanup
             Phase 5 - Mesh quality improvement
             Phase 101 - Refine Pre-processing
             Phase 102 - Refine point insertion
             Phase 103 - Refine Mesh quality improvement
 iparam[1]   Current number of nodes
 iparam[2]   Current number of elements
 iparam[3]   Estimate percent completion

Errors

VIS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • type – Type of integer information to query 

    x=TETMESH_NUMBOUNDINSERT Number of nodes inserted on boundary
 =TETMESH_BOUNDINSERT    Nodes inserted on boundary
 =TETMESH_NUMFREEEDGE    Number of surface triangle free edges
 =TETMESH_FREEEDGE       Free edge surface triangles
 =TETMESH_NUMINCONS      Number of inconsistent triangles
 =TETMESH_INCONS         Inconsistent surface triangles
 =TETMESH_NUMINTERSECT   Number of intersecting triangles
 =TETMESH_INTERSECT      Intersecting triangles
 =TETMESH_NUMINTERSECTPAIR No. of intersecting triangle pairs
 =TETMESH_INTERSECTPAIR    Intersecting triangle pairs
 =TETMESH_NUMNONMAN      Number of non manifold triangles
 =TETMESH_NONMAN         Non manifold surface triangles
 =TETMESH_NUMNEGJAC      Number of negative Jacobians
 =TETMESH_NUMUNCONN      Number of unconnected nodes
 =TETMESH_UNCONN         Unconnected nodes
 =TETMESH_NUMTRIZEROANG  Number of zero angle triangles
 =TETMESH_TRIZEROANG     Zero angle triangles
 =TETMESH_NUMUNREC       Number of unrecovered triangles
 =TETMESH_UNREC          Unrecovered triangles
 =TETMESH_NUMNODEINSERT  Number of nodes not inserted
 =TETMESH_NODEINSERT     Not inserted nodes
 =VIS_MESH_PROGRESS      Current meshing progress

  • iparam – [out] Returned integer information

void vis_TetMeshSetElem(vis_TetMesh *p, Vint id, Vint shape, Vint maxi, Vint ix[])

set an orphan mesh for refinement

Input elements for an orphan tetrahedron mesh to be refined. The API has been defined in a general way to support other element shapes. However, only tetrahedron elements, linear, parabolic or cubic, are currently supported.

Errors

  • VIS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if TetMesh was previously used to generate a mesh. vis_TetMeshSetElem() should only be used for orphan meshes.

  • VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if id’s are entered in a non-sequential manner.

  • VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if shape is not VIS_SHAPETET.

  • VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if maxi is not equal to 0, 2, 3 or 4.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • id – Element index

  • shape – Element shape. Only SYS_SHAPETET is supported.

  • maxi – Order of the elements in the initial mesh.

  • ix – Element connectivity

void vis_TetMeshRefine(vis_TetMesh *p, vis_State *state, vis_Connect *connect)

refine a tetrahedral mesh

Refine a tetrahedral mesh. Use the State object to specify the new mesh size for each element. As the refinement takes place TetMesh will use the initial mesh and state to interpolate new mesh sizes at any point in space. Any element with a size of zero in the state object will not be refined.

If an orphan mesh is to be refined - i.e., a mesh not generated with TetMesh, use vis_TetMeshSetElem() to set the initial tetrahedron mesh. The boundary of the orphan mesh must be specified with vis_TetMeshSetTri() and, if needed, vis_TetMeshSetTriAssoc().

Since TetMesh has no knowledge of preserved edges it uses all edges with an edge association as an indication of a preserved edge.

Errors

  • VIS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if TetMesh has not been used to generate the original mesh or an orphan mesh is to be refined and vis_TetMeshSetElem() has not been called.

  • VIS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if state is not defined as an element state or if the state’s size differs from the existing mesh.

  • VIS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if state is not defined with a data type VIS_SCALAR.

  • VIS_ERROR_OPERATION can also be generated if auxiliary, internal tools cannot be created.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to TetMesh object.

  • state – Pointer to State object holding new element sizes

  • connect – [out] Pointer to Connect object holding the refined mesh

5.5. 3D General Volume Mesh Generation - VolMesh

The VolMesh module provides for the automatic generation of complex hybrid surface and volumetric elements given a surface mesh of linear, parabolic or cubic triangles and/or quadrilaterals. By default, the mesh generation procedure is guaranteed to not alter the surface mesh in any way. The node numbering of the surface mesh is preserved in the node numbering and connectivity of the resultant mesh. The input surface mesh is checked for closure, that is, all input surface faces must be connected to at least one face across each edge.

The functions associated with a VolMesh object are the following.

Instance a VolMesh object using vis_VolMeshBegin(). Once a VolMesh object is instanced, define the number of nodes and faces which define the surface mesh using vis_VolMeshDef(). The surface mesh is then input as a set of nodes in 3D space and a set of face (triangle and/or quadrilateral) connectivities. The nodes are defined using vis_VolMeshSetNode(), the boundary face connectivities are defined using vis_VolMeshSetFace(). Each edge in the boundary must be connected to an even number of boundary faces - usually two. Interior edges may be specified using vis_VolMeshSetEdge(). The interior edges may connect to the exterior boundary faces. Interior faces which bound material on both sides may be defined by specifying two “double backed” faces with opposite connectivity sense. The connectivity of the faces is such that the normal to the faces is pointed out of the volume. The direction of the normal is determined by the right-hand rule applied to the faces connectivity.

Each bounded region may be assigned a fill type. Currently two fill types are supported, no fill and fill with tetrahedra. The fill type is specified using the function vis_VolMeshSetFaceFill(). If the boundary contains quadrilateral elements then a pyramid element is generated to transition conformally from the quadrilateral face to the interior tetrahedra. It is possible to input mixed order triangle and quadrilateral elements. For example, the input may contain linear quadrilaterals and parabolic or cubic and mixed order linear/parabolic-cubic triangles. The interior tetrahedron are parabolic or cubic and all pyramids and tetrahedra connecting to linear edges in the boundary mesh will be of mixed linear/parabolic-cubic order. Note that the order of the input surface triangles and quadrilaterals is unchanged by vis_VolMeshGenerate(), ie. no nodes will be inserted on the edges of the input surface.

The function vis_VolMeshSetParami() is used to set integer parameters which affect the mesh generation process. The function vis_VolMeshSetParamd() is used to set real double precision parameters which control the quality and size of the generated elements. A global target edge length for interior elements may be prescribed. Specific, location dependent, sizes may be set at input nodes using vis_VolMeshSetNodeSizing() and for regions using vis_VolMeshSetFaceSizing().

By default, all input nodes must be connected to input boundary faces and interior edges and faces. If unconnected nodes are to be inserted in the interior then the user must call vis_VolMeshSetParami() to enable parameter type VOLMESH_UNCONNECT.

The user is able to define integer associations at nodes and faces which will be assigned to the node and elements generated on the respective entity. These associations are useful for identifying nodes and elements in the output mesh for the application of loads, boundary conditions, material properties, etc. The function vis_VolMeshSetNodeAssoc() is used to set associations at nodes generated at input points. The function vis_VolMeshSetNodeAssoc() may be called any number of times for a single node with the same association type. The association values are accumulated as multiple association on the node. The function vis_VolMeshSetFaceAssoc() is used to set associations which will be attached to nodes generated on faces and along face edges. These associations will also be generated as element entity associations along the respective element edges and faces connected to the input faces. The element associations are useful for tagging elements generated with an enclosed boundary, etc.

Finally the function vis_VolMeshGenerate() generates the nodes and elements and enters them into a Connect object. The mesh generation process may fail due to errors in the surface faces or failure of the meshing procedure. Use vis_VolMeshGetInteger() to query for detailed information concerning errors in the surface faces, etc.

During the mesh generation process, the input surface faces and face corner node locations (by default) remain unchanged. However, the midside node locations may be perturbed under certain circumstances to satisfy quality constraints in the output elements. The function vis_VolMeshSetParami() is used to set the parameter VIS_MESH_MIDSIDEQUAL which controls the overall movement of midside nodes. By default all midside nodes are susceptible to movement.

The function vis_VolMeshWrite() is provided to write a complete description of the defined input surface mesh and meshing parameters to a file. The primary use of this file is to encapsulate cases in which the VolMesh module should fail in some respect. This output file can then be made available to Tech Soft 3D for failure diagnosis of VolMesh meshing algorithms.

The VolMesh module provides for a monitor callback function to be specified which is called intermittently during the mesh generation process in vis_VolMeshGenerate(). The primary purpose of this function is to allow the user to interrupt or interrogate the on-going mesh generation process for any reason. If mesh generation is to be terminated, call vis_VolMeshAbort(). This call will set an internal flag which will cause vis_VolMeshGenerate() to terminate the mesh generation process and return. In addition, a user defined sizing callback function may be set. Set callback functions using vis_VolMeshSetFunction().

5.6. Function Descriptions

The currently available VolMesh functions are described in detail in this section.

vis_VolMesh *vis_VolMeshBegin(void)

create an instance of a VolMesh object

Create an instance of an VolMesh object. Memory is allocated for the object private data and the pointer to the data is returned.

Destroy an instance of a VolMesh object using 

void vis_VolMeshEnd (vis_VolMesh *volmesh)

Return the current value of a VolMesh object error flag using 

Vint vis_VolMeshError (vis_VolMesh *volmesh)

Returns:

The function returns a pointer to the newly created VolMesh object. If the object creation fails, NULL is returned.

void vis_VolMeshEnd(vis_VolMesh *p)

destroy an instance of a VolMesh object

See vis_VolMeshBegin()

Vint vis_VolMeshError(vis_VolMesh *p)

destroy an instance of a VolMesh object

See vis_VolMeshBegin()

void vis_VolMeshDef(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint numnode, Vint numface)

define number of nodes, faces.

Define the number of nodes and faces which define the input surface mesh. Define node coordinates using vis_VolMeshSetNode() and define face connectivities which reference the input nodes using vis_VolMeshSetFace().

Inquire of defined numnode and numface. as output arguments using 

void vis_VolMeshInq (vis_VolMesh *volmesh,
                     Vint *numnode,
                     Vint *numface)

Errors

VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper maxi is input or numnode or numface is less than or equal to zero.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • numnode – Number of nodes on input surface mesh

  • numface – Number of faces on input surface mesh

void vis_VolMeshInq(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint *numnode, Vint *numface)

destroy an instance of a VolMesh object

See vis_VolMeshDef()

void vis_VolMeshSetFunction(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint funtype, Vfunc *function, Vobject *object)

set a call back function

Set callback functions. By default the callback functions are NULL. A callback is not invoked if it is NULL.

The monitor callback function prototype is 

void function (vis_VolMesh *volmesh,
               Vobject *object)
The first argument is the VolMesh object, volmesh, and the second is a user defined object, object.

The sizing callback function prototype is 

void function (vis_VolMesh *volmesh,
               Vobject *object,
               Vdouble x[3],
               Vdouble *s)
The first argument is the VolMesh object, volmesh, the second is a user defined object, object, the third is the coordinate location x and the fourth is the returned size s.

The anisotropic sizing callback function prototype is 

void function (vis_VolMesh *volmesh,
               Vobject *object,
               Vdouble x[3],
               Vdouble s[3][3])
The first argument is the VolMesh object, volmesh, the second is a user defined object, object, the third is the coordinate location x and the fourth is the returned anisotropic scaled orthogonal direction vectors. The first 3 components are the first size scaled direction, the next 3 components are the second size scaled direction, the next 3 components are the third size scaled direction.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • funtype – Type of callback function to set 

    x=SYS_FUNCTION_MONITOR     Monitor callback
 =SYS_FUNCTION_SIZING      Sizing callback
 =SYS_FUNCTION_ASIZING     Anisotropic sizing callback

  • function – Pointer to callback function

  • object – Pointer to the object to be returned as function argument

void vis_VolMeshSetParami(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint ptype, Vint iparam)

set mesh generation parameters

Specify mesh generation parameters. These parameters specify the order and connectivity convention to be used for the generated elements.

The parameter VIS_MESH_MAXI sets the order of the generated tetrahedral elements by specifying the number of nodes to generate along an edge. A value of 2 generates linear tetrahedra, a value of 3 generates parabolic tetrahedra and a value of 4 generates cubic tetrahedra. By default VIS_MESH_MAXI is set to 2.

The parameter VIS_MESH_MIDSIDEQUAL toggles the adjustment of midside nodes of parabolic and cubic elements to satisfy specified quality constraints. The midside nodes are adjusted to ensure that all node Jacobians are positive and that the Jacobian ratio in any element is less than the specified upper Jacobian ratio bound. This bound is specified using vis_VolMeshSetParamd(). This procedure normally moves the midside node location of interior edges to satisfy quality constraints. It may move midside nodes on the surface face in rare cases. By default VIS_MESH_MIDSIDEQUAL is set to SYS_ON.

The parameter VIS_MESH_FUNSIZINGMIN is used to control the way final element sizing is computed when a sizing callback is installed. By default, the sizing returned by the sizing callback is used. If VIS_MESH_FUNSIZINGMIN is enabled, then the sizing is the minimum of the sizing callback and normal sizing. By default VIS_MESH_FUNSIZINGMIN is set to VIS_OFF.

By default, all input nodes must be connected to input boundary faces and interior edges and faces. If unconnected nodes are to be inserted in the interior then parameter VOLMESH_UNCONNECT must be enabled. By default VOLMESH_UNCONNECT is set to SYS_OFF.

Inquire of defined integer parameters as output arguments using 

void vis_VolMeshGetParami (vis_VolMesh *volmesh,
                           Vint ptype,
                           Vint *iparam)

Errors

  • VIS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper ptype is specified.

  • VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper order of generated elements is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • ptype – Type of display parameter to set 

    x=VIS_MESH_MAXI          Order of generated elements
 =VIS_MESH_MIDSIDEQUAL   Quality midside node adjustment
 =VIS_MESH_REPAIRINCONS  Repair inconsistent input
 =VOLMESH_UNCONNECT      Toggle unconnected interior nodes

  • iparam – Specifies the integer value that ptype will be set to. 

    x=SYS_OFF                Disable
 =SYS_ON                 Enable

void vis_VolMeshGetParami(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint type, Vint *iparam)

get mesh generation parameters

See vis_VolMeshSetParami()

void vis_VolMeshSetParamd(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint ptype, Vdouble dparam)

set mesh generation parameters

Specify mesh generation parameters. These parameters are used to control the quality and size of the generated elements.

The parameter VIS_MESH_EDGELENGTH specifies a target edge length of generated elements. The edge length constraint may not be satisfied for elements generated near the surface mesh due to surface mesh sizing. By default VIS_MESH_EDGELENGTH is set to 1.

The parameter VIS_MESH_GROWTHRATE specifies a maximum growth rate. The growth rate governs the rate at which the size of adjacent elements can grow. The ratio of edge lengths of adjacent elements will not exceed the specified growth rate. The growth rate must be greateer than 1.001. By default VIS_MESH_GROWTHRATE is set to 2.0

The parameter VIS_MESH_MAXEDGELENGTH specifies a maximum edge length of generated elements. The maximum edge length constraint may not be satisfied for elements generated near the surface mesh due to surface mesh sizing. By default VIS_MESH_MAXEDGELENGTH is set to 0. and is ignored.

The parameter VIS_MESH_MAXEDGEALT specifies an upper bound on the edge-altitude ratio of an element. The edge-altitude ratio is defined as the maximum edge length over the smallest altitude. A series of operations are performed in an attempt to satisfy the edge-altitude ratio quality. By default VIS_MESH_MAXEDGEALT is set to 100.

Inquire of defined double precision parameters as output arguments using 

void vis_VolMeshGetParamd (vis_VolMesh *volmesh,
                           Vint ptype,
                           Vdouble *dparam)

Errors

  • VIS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper ptype is specified.

  • VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper value is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • ptype – Type of display parameter to set

  • dparam – Specifies the value that ptype will be set to. 

    x=VIS_MESH_EDGELENGTH     Target edge length
 =VIS_MESH_GROWTHRATE     Maximum growth rate
 =VIS_MESH_MAXEDGELENGTH  Maximum edge length
 =VIS_MESH_MAXEDGEALT     Maximum edge-altitude ratio
 =VIS_MESH_MAXANGLE       Maximum dihedral angle

void vis_VolMeshGetParamd(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint type, Vdouble *param)

get mesh generation parameters

See vis_VolMeshSetParamd()

void vis_VolMeshAbort(vis_VolMesh *p)

set abort flag

Set mesh generation abort flag. During the mesh generation process in vis_VolMeshGenerate() this flag is intermittently checked. If it has been set, the mesh generation process terminates and returns. The abort flag is usually set in the user defined callback function specified by vis_VolMeshSetFunction().

Parameters:

p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

void vis_VolMeshSetNode(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint id, Vdouble x[3])

define a surface node

Set a node location. The node id must be in the interval 1 <= id <= numnode where numnode is defined by vis_VolMeshDef(). Input surface faces are defined using vis_VolMeshSetFace().

Errors

VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • id – Node id

  • x – Node coordinate location

void vis_VolMeshSetNodeStat(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint id, Vint stat)

set surface node status

Set a surface corner or midside node movement status. By default all corner nodes may not be moved and all midside nodes may be moved. Set the status to 1 for any surface corner or midsides nodes which must not be moved for any reason. The default movement status of surface corner and midside nodes may be specified using vis_VolMeshSetParami().

Errors

VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • id – Node id

  • stat – Surface node status 

    =0       Surface node may be moved
=1       Surface node may not be moved

void vis_VolMeshSetNodeSizing(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint id, Vdouble h)

set node sizing

Set element size to be enforced at a node.

Errors

VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • id – Node id

  • h – Sizing.

void vis_VolMeshSetNodeAssoc(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint type, Vint id, Vint aid)

define a node association

Set a node association. The association will be propagated to the node in the generated mesh. This function may be called any number of times for a particular node and association type, all association values are accumulated.

Errors

VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • type – Type of association

  • id – Node id

  • aid – Association value

void vis_VolMeshSetFace(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint id, Vint shape, Vint maxi, Vint maxj, Vint ix[])

define a face

Set a surface face topology and connectivity. The face id must be in the interval 1 <= id <= numface where numface is defined by vis_VolMeshDef(). The connectivity of the faces is be such that the normal to the faces is pointed out of the volume. The direction of the normal is determined by the right-hand rule applied to the faces connectivity. Note that all faces must be entered sequentially.

Errors

  • VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id or order is specified.

  • VIS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper shape is specified.

  • VIS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if an id is entered out of order.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • id – Face id

  • shape – Face shape

  • maxi – Face order

  • maxj – Face order

  • ix – Face connectivity

void vis_VolMeshSetFaceAssoc(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint type, Vint id, Vint enttype, Vint no, Vint aid)

define a face association

Set associations to be assigned to generated elements, edges and faces. The entity type of SYS_EDGE will propagate the association to element edges and all nodes on the face edge. The entity type of SYS_FACE will propagate the association to element faces and all nodes on the face, the value of no is ignored. The entity type of SYS_ELEM will propagate the association to all elements adjacent to the specified face, bounded by adjacent input faces, the value of no is ignored.

Errors

  • VIS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type or enttype is specified.

  • VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id or no is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • type – Type of association

  • id – Face id

  • enttype – Entity type to which association is assigned 

    =SYS_EDGE     Element edge association
=SYS_FACE     Element face association
=SYS_ELEM     Element association

  • no – Face edge number

  • aid – Association value

void vis_VolMeshSetFaceStat(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint id, Vint no, Vint stat)

set face status

Set face status. By default face edges are not swapped or split during generation and may be split but not swapped during refinement.

Errors

VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id or no is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • id – Face id

  • no – Face edge number

  • stat – Status, bitwise OR 

    x=VIS_MESH_BIT_GENSPLIT     Split during generation
 =VIS_MESH_BIT_GENSWAP      Swap during generation
 =VIS_MESH_BIT_REFSPLIT     Split during refinement
 =VIS_MESH_BIT_REFSWAP      Swap during refinement

void vis_VolMeshSetFaceSizing(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint id, Vdouble h)

set sizing within a region

Set element size to be enforced within a region. The region is defined as the material bound by input faces that exists to the left of the specified face, ie. the normal of the face points out of the material region. If a size is specified on more than one face bounding a region, the minimum size is used for the region.

Errors

VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • id – Face id

  • h – Sizing.

void vis_VolMeshSetFaceDepthSizing(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint id, Vdouble d, Vdouble h)

set sizing within a depth in a region

Set element size to be enforced within a specified depth from the input boundary face.

Errors

  • VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id is specified.

  • VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if either d or h is less than zero.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • id – Face id

  • d – Depth

  • h – Sizing

void vis_VolMeshSetFaceFill(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint id, Vint fill)

define a bounding face fill type

Set type of element fill to be generated adjacent to a given boundary face. A fill type of VOLMESH_FILL_TET will fill the region adjacent to the face with tetrahedra. Any quadrilateral input faces will have pyramids created adjacent to the face to transition to the tetrahedral mesh. A fill type of VOLMESH_FILL_BOUNDARY will output the boundary face directly as a generated element. No volumetric elements will be generated in the region adjacent to the boundary face.

Errors

  • VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id is specified.

  • VIS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper fill is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • id – Face id

  • fill – Fill type 

    x=VOLMESH_FILL_TET          Fill directly with tetrahedra
 =VOLMESH_FILL_BOUNDARY     Do not volumetrically fill

void vis_VolMeshSetEdge(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint id, Vint maxi, Vint ix[])

set interior edge

Set an interior edge order, maxi and connectivity, ix. The nodes of an interior edge may be connected to the boundary.

Errors

VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id, maxi or ix is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • id – Edge id

  • maxi – Number of edge nodes

  • ix – Edge connectivity

void vis_VolMeshSetEdgeStat(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint id, Vint stat)

set interior edge status

Set an interior edge status. By default interior edges are not swapped or split during generation and may be split but not swapped during refinement.

Errors

VIS_ERROR_VALUE is generated if an improper id is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • id – Edge id

  • stat – Status, bitwise OR 

    x=VIS_MESH_BIT_GENSPLIT     Split during generation
 =VIS_MESH_BIT_GENSWAP      Swap during generation
 =VIS_MESH_BIT_REFSPLIT     Split during refinement
 =VIS_MESH_BIT_REFSWAP      Swap during refinement

void vis_VolMeshSetGeomSizing(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint type, Vdouble xo[3], Vdouble xa[3], Vdouble xb[3], Vdouble d[3], Vdouble h)

specify sizing within geometric shape

Set element size to be enforced within a geometric shape.

Errors

VIS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • type – Geometry type 

    x=VIS_MESH_GEOMSPHERE       Ellipsoid
 =VIS_MESH_GEOMCYLINDER     Ellipsoidal cylinder
 =VIS_MESH_GEOMBOX          Box

  • xo – Coordinates of geometry origin

  • xa – Coordinates of point along x’ axis

  • xb – Coordinates of point in x’y’ plane

  • d – Half length of geometric shape along each axis

  • h – Sizing

void vis_VolMeshGetConnect(vis_VolMesh *p, vis_Connect **connect)

get internal Connect object

Get the internal Connect object which contains the user input nodes and faces. The Connect object must not be changed by the user.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • connect – [out] Pointer to Connect object.

void vis_VolMeshWrite(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint type, const Vchar *path)

write mesh description to file

Write a surface mesh description to a file which has been input to VolMesh. The contents of the file is intended for internal use only. This function should be called after all surface mesh input and meshing parameters have been set to ensure that an accurate surface mesh description including correct meshing parameters is written. The binary file format is preferred for accuracy and generally results in smaller file sizes. The primary use of this function is to create a file of the complete surface mesh description in the case that the VolMesh module fails to properly generate a mesh. This file can then be transmitted to Visual Kinematics for debugging purposes. It is suggested that a file extension of .vol be used for ASCII files and .bvol be used for BINARY files.

Errors

  • SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type is specified.

  • SYS_ERROR_FILE is generated if the file can not be opened.

  • SYS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if the input surface mesh has not been defined.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • type – File type 

    x=SYS_ASCII              ASCII format
 =SYS_BINARY             Binary format

  • path – File path

void vis_VolMeshRead(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint type, const Vchar *path)

read mesh description from file

Read a surface mesh description from a file which has been previously written by vis_VolMeshWrite(). The format of the file is not published and is intended for internal use only.

Errors

  • SYS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type is specified.

  • SYS_ERROR_FILE is generated if the file can not be opened.

  • SYS_ERROR_FORMAT is generated if the file contents are not correctly formatted or if a file written by a later version of VolMesh is read.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • type – File type 

    x=SYS_ASCII              ASCII format
 =SYS_BINARY             Binary format

  • path – File path

void vis_VolMeshConnect(vis_VolMesh *p, vis_Connect *connect)

set the contents of Connect object

Set the contents of the Connect object as geometry input. All nodes and elements in the Connect object are set as input. All VIS_GEOVERT, VIS_GEOEDGE and VIS_GEOFACE associations on nodes are set. All VIS_GEOEDGE and VIS_GEOFACE associations on faces are set as element entity associations. All VIS_GEOBODY associations are set as element associations.

Errors

VIS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if the Connect object does not contain proper element types to serve as boundary input.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • connect – Pointer to Connect object to receive generated mesh

void vis_VolMeshGenerate(vis_VolMesh *p, vis_Connect *connect)

generate finite element mesh

Generate interior nodes and elements. The generated nodes and elements are appended to any existing nodes and elements in the input Connect object. The input surface faces are checked for free edges, connectivity consistency, degeneracy, enclosing negative or zero volume, etc. Use vis_VolMeshGetInteger() is query for detailed information about the mesh generation process including errors.

Errors

  • VIS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if mesh generation fails due to errors detected in the surface faces.

  • VIS_ERROR_COMPUTE is generated if mesh generation fails.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • connect – Pointer to Connect object to receive generated mesh

void vis_VolMeshGetInteger(vis_VolMesh *p, Vint type, Vint iparam[])

get integer mesh generation information

Query for integer mesh generation information. This function is useful for determining where errors in the mesh generation procedure occurred during a call to vis_VolMeshGenerate(). Use VOLMESH_NUMFREEEDGE to determine the number of faces which contained a free edge. The query VOLMESH_FREEEDGE will return the list of all free edge faces detected.

The query type VOLMESH_NUMNONMAN returns the number of improper non-manifold boundary face detected in the input. This number will only include those face detected on the first non-manifold edge encountered, it will not generally include all non-manifold face. The query VOLMESH_NONMAN will return the list of non-manifold face detected.

The query type VOLMESH_NUMINCONS returns the number of inconsistent faces detected in the input. This number will only include those faces detected on the first inconsistent edge encountered, it will not generally include all inconsistent faces. The query VOLMESH_INCONS will return the list of inconsistent faces detected.

The query type VOLMESH_NUMNEGJAC returns the number of elements with negative corner Jacobians. This check is only performed if it is enabled using vis_VolMeshSetParami().

The query type VOLMESH_NUMUNCONN returns the number of unconnected nodes detected in the input. The query VOLMESH_UNCONN will return the list of unconnected nodes.

The query type VOLMESH_NUMTRIZEROANG returns the number of input faces with zero angle detected in the input. The query VOLMESH_TRIZEROANG will return the list of zero angle faces.

The query type VOLMESH_NUMINTERSECT returns the number of input faces which intersect. The query VOLMESH_INTERSECT will return the list of intersecting faces.

The query type VOLMESH_NUMUNREC returns the number of input faces which were unable to be recovered. The query VOLMESH_UNREC will return the list of unrecovered faces.

The query type VOLMESH_NUMNODEINSERT returns the number of input nodes which were unable to be inserted. The query VOLMESH_NODEINSERT will return the list of nodes which were not inserted.

The query type VIS_MESH_PROGRESS returns information about the current state of the meshing process. This function is most useful when called from the monitor function. The following four integer values are returned. 

 iparam[0]   Meshing phase
             Phase 1 - Pre-processing boundary data
             Phase 2 - Boundary recovery
             Phase 3 - Generating interior points
             Phase 4 - Mesh cleanup
             Phase 5 - Mesh quality improvement
 iparam[1]   Current number of nodes
 iparam[2]   Current number of elements
 iparam[3]   Estimate percent completion
Errors

VIS_ERROR_ENUM is generated if an improper type is specified.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • type – Type of integer information to query 

    x=VOLMESH_NUMFREEEDGE    Number of surface face free edges
 =VOLMESH_FREEEDGE       Free edge surface face
 =VOLMESH_NUMINCONS      Number of inconsistent face
 =VOLMESH_INCONS         Inconsistent surface face
 =VOLMESH_NUMINTERSECT   Number of intersecting face
 =VOLMESH_INTERSECT      Intersecting face
 =VOLMESH_NUMNONMAN      Number of non manifold face
 =VOLMESH_NONMAN         Non manifold surface face
 =VOLMESH_NUMNEGJAC      Number of negative Jacobians
 =VOLMESH_NUMUNCONN      Number of unconnected nodes
 =VOLMESH_UNCONN         Unconnected nodes
 =VOLMESH_NUMTRIZEROANG  Number of zero angle face
 =VOLMESH_TRIZEROANG     Zero angle face
 =VOLMESH_NUMUNREC       Number of unrecovered face
 =VOLMESH_UNREC          Unrecovered face
 =VOLMESH_NUMNODEINSERT  Number of nodes not inserted
 =VOLMESH_NODEINSERT     Not inserted nodes
 =VIS_MESH_PROGRESS      Current meshing progress

  • iparam – [out] Returned integer information

void vis_VolMeshRefine(vis_VolMesh *p, vis_State *state, vis_Connect *connect)

refine a mesh

Refine a mesh. Use the State object to specify the new mesh size for each element. As the refinement takes place VolMesh will use the initial mesh and state to interpolate new mesh sizes at any point in space.

Since VolMesh has no knowledge of preserved edges it uses all edges with an edge association as an indication of a preserved edge.

Errors

  • VIS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if VolMesh has not been used to generate the original mesh.

  • VIS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if state is not defined as an element state or if the state’s size differs from the existing mesh. VIS_ERROR_OPERATION is generated if state is not defined with a data type VIS_SCALAR.

  • VIS_ERROR_OPERATION can also be generated if auxiliary, internal tools cannot be created.

Parameters:

  • p – Pointer to VolMesh object.

  • state – Pointer to State object holding new element sizes

  • connect – [out] Pointer to Connect object holding the refined mesh