A Matlab mesh generator for the two-dimensional finite element method

A newMatlab code for the generation of unstructured (3-node or 6-node) triangular meshes in two dimensions is described. The method is based on the Matlab mesh generator distmesh of Persson and Strang [SIAM Rev. 46:329-345, 2004]. As input, the code takes a signed distance function for the domain geometry. A mesh size function, for the spatial node distribution, is constructed using an approximate medial axis. As outputs, the code generates a 3-node or a 6-node triangular mesh with boundary data (edges and nodes). The approach presented consists of three steps: (1) an initial nodes placement is obtained using a probabilistic node distribution, (2) an iterative smoothing is performed assuming the presence of an attractive/repulsive internode force, and (3) a fast refinement procedure is performed for 6-node triangular meshes or large scale meshes.