A novel algorithm to generate quad- and hex-dominant, semistructured meshes is presented. The algorithm utilizes a three-step, advancing layer scheme to generate the mesh in structured layers starting from an initial data surface. First, a locally orthogonal reference mesh is algebraically generated. The reference mesh is then smoothed using a Poisson-type mesh generation equation. Finally, a line deletion/insertion algorithm based on cell geometry is applied as the initial data surface for the next layer is defined. Typically, for meshes appropriate for viscous flow calculations, more than 95% of the cells are quadrilaterals or hexahedra. The resulting mesh offers a potentially attractive alternative for near-body regions of hybrid meshes. Several preliminary examples are included to demonstrate the efficacy of the approach.
David S. Thompson, Bharat K. Soni