Identifying and Meshing Thin Sections of 3-d Curved Domains

Realization of the full benefits of variable p-version finite elements requires the careful construction of prismatic elements in thin sections. This paper presents a procedure to automatically isolate the thin sections using the points on an approximate medial surface computed by an octree-based algorithm. Using the pairs of triangles associated with medial surface (MS) points, in conjunction with adjacency, classification and distance information, sets of surface triangles that are on opposite face patches in thin sections are identified. Mesh modifications are then executed to match the surface triangulations on the opposite face patches such that prismatic elements can be generated without diagonal edges through the thickness directions.