An Automated Mesh Generation Algorithm for Curved Surfaces of Ship Longitudinal Structures

ABSTRACT

An automated finite element mesh generation algorithm for ship hull surfaces is proposed and applied effectively in this work. The algorithm plays an important role in dealing with the intersections between ship hull surfaces and its frames, since the operations for flexural surfaces and curved lines are complex and quite different from those for general structures. In this study, a specialized planar curve intersection method and a local refinement intersection algorithm between a non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) surface and an implicit surface are combined, leading to high mesh quality and close approximation to the actual ship hull structure. The proposed algorithm, with high applicability, improves the efficiency and accuracy of finite element modeling of ship hull surfaces.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• ship hull surface
• finite element mesh generation
• intersection of B-spline curves and surfaces

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This study was partially supported by a guiding fund for the integration of industry, education and research of Guangdong province (Grant No.: 2012B091100132). Y. Tang is grateful for the research support of Industrial Transformation Training Centres (IC140100003) from the Australian Research Council.