A modeling methodology for finite element mesh generation of multi-region models with parametric surfaces

This paper presents a description of the reorganization of a geometric modeler, MG, designed to support new capabilities of a topological module (CGC) that allows the detection of closed-off solid regions described by surface patches in non-manifold geometric models defined by NURBS. These patches are interactively created by the user by means of the modeler's graphics interface, and may result from parametric–surface intersection in which existing surface meshes are used as a support for a discrete definition of intersection curves. The geometry of realistic engineering objects is intrinsically complex, usually composed by several materials and regions. Therefore, automatic and adaptive meshing algorithms have become quite useful to increase the reliability of the procedures of a FEM numerical analysis. The present approach is concerned with two aspects of 3D FEM simulation: geometric modeling, with automatic multi-region detection, and support to automatic finite-element mesh generation.