Validation of Grid-Based Hex Meshes with Computational Solid Mechanics

Grid-based methods for generating all-hex meshes show tremendous promise in automating and speeding up turnaround for computational simulations for solid mechanics. Recognizing some of its inherent weaknesses, there has been hesitancy in accepting this technology as a viable option for critical FEA. This study attempts to compare meshes generated with traditional manual pave-and-sweep technologies with those generated with an automatic overlay grid method. We use a simple torsion pin analysis to understand both linear-elastic and non-linear elastic-plastic responses with gridbased meshes. This study demonstrates that in the cases tested, equivalent or superior results were achieved with grid-based meshes when compared to pave-and-sweep meshes.