Automated Parametric Discretization Tool for High-Fidelity Hypersonic Design Analysis

Great strides have been made in computational physics algorithms and computational power, allowing for fast computer-aided engineering (CAE) solutions of ever larger simulations involving such fields as fluid dynamics (CFD), electromagnetics (CEM) and structural mechanics (CSM). However, mechanical computer-aided design (CAD) data preparation and manipulation continues to dominate most CAE activities, hindering the use of advanced engineering simulation tools, and resulting in excessive costs across a broad range of design and manufacturing activities. Recently, the animation industry has developed fast methods for generating 3-D renderings of parametric models using subdivision methods. These methods for rapidly generating polygonal surfaces from CAD show great promise when applied to grid generation since they may be tuned to ensure that continuity requirements are satisfied. The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility of applying subdivision method to potentially automate the process for creation of multi block structured hexahedral meshes in a fully coupled definition between CAD models and discretized domain required by CFD tools.