A publication of the Office of Advanced Simulation & Computing, NNSA Defense Programs
NA-ASC-500-07—Issue 3
May 2007
Return to this issue’s stories
CUBIT Advances Automation of Geometry Preparation and Meshing
CUBIT is a toolkit for robust and unattended generation of two- and three-dimensional finite element meshes (grid).
To address an ASC level 2 milestone, Sandia’s CUBIT team has developed a new environment for guiding analysts through the process of generating a hexahedral or tetrahedral mesh for simulation. This new environment is called the Immersive Topology Engine for Meshing (ITEM) and is built on the existing CUBIT Geometry and Meshing Toolkit. New geometric reasoning algorithms have been developed that can detect potential problems in a CAD model and provide a list of suggested solutions. This is offered in a wizard-like environment where the user may systematically step through the geometry preparation and meshing process and run a series of diagnostic tests. The user is then presented with a list of solutions to specific geometric problems that can be easily previewed and performed at will. With phase 1 of ITEM now complete, this tool can now generate diagnostics and solutions for a range of geometric problems, including resolving small features, detecting and fixing imprint/merge problems, and detecting potential decomposition options for hexahedral sweeping. Scheduled to be completed in August 2007, this new tool promises to dramatically improve the productivity of analysts who currently must spend considerable time developing meshes for simulation.
An example of ITEM used to mesh a CAD model representing a weapon component. Left: ITEM detects and previews an option for decomposing the model for hexahedral mesh. Right: The final hexahedral mesh after using ITEM to help prepare the CAD model.
For further information contact Steve Owen.
DOE Privacy Disclaimer | Sandia Privacy Disclaimer | SAND 2007-3351W
Developed and maintained by Sandia National Laboratories for NA.114