This paper on "A Semi-Automatic Transition Mesh Generator Utilizing Constraint Equations" was presented at the International Conference on Quality Assurance and Standards in Finite Element Analysis - 22-25 May 1989, Stratford-upon-Avon, England.

Summary

An essential requirement in the finite element mesh idealization of a component is the provision of a fine mesh in critical areas where rapid stress changes occur. Since it is uneconomic to use a fine mesh throughout the entire component, transition meshes must be introduced to allow variations in mesh density. Transition meshes usually do not perform as well as a regular mesh because they contain triangular and/or distorted quadrilateral elements.
An alternative technique to maintain connectivity between regions of different element density is to use multipoint constraint equations. This paper presents a two-dimensional semi-automatic mesh generator which uses constraint equations to provide transitions in mesh density. The meshes produced by this method are compared with equivalent meshes from conventional transition mesh generators.