An open source geometry kernel-based high-order element mesh generation tool

A NASA funded CFD 2030 study suggested that the generation of meshes suitable for high-accuracy CFD simulations constitutes a principal bottleneck in the simulation workflow process as it requires significant human intervention. Similarly, providing access to the underlying geometry definition such as geometry kernel, as needed for both high-order simulations and adaptive gridding, is currently not available and is a further roadblock to the ubiquitous use of these technologies. This paper describes an effort in developing an open source geometry kernel based high-order element mesh generation tool. Our approach consists of (a) linear mesh import specified by the user, (b) use of an advanced subdivision fitting procedure in retaining the boundary geometry and in achieving high-quality curved boundary meshes; (c) volumetric deformation using an elasticity analogy with imposed boundary displacement on the curved part of the boundary; and (d) export and display of the final mesh. The developed software perfectly addresses the above issues in generating high-order curved meshes linked to the CFD solver for h-p adaptation near the curved boundary. The tool formalizes and streamlines the process of high-order curved volume mesh generation and flow calculation within a single all-encompassing framework, removing the bottleneck between geometry definition and flow solution. The software enables wider use of CFD solvers with high-order schemes.