A framework for generating nonconforming triangular meshes with multiple discretization layers

Abstract

We present a framework for generating nonconforming triangular meshes with multiple discretization layers. The framework exploits characteristic structural properties of meshes produced by a frontal Delaunay algorithm with uniform element size. The bulk region of such meshes exhibits a structured pattern resembling a regular triangular lattice. Owing to this structure, the bulk region can be coarsened by grouping elements into connected subsets of larger composite elements. When applied repeatedly, this procedure produces a mesh with multiple discretization layers. For complex geometries, the framework can be used to create composite multidomain meshes, where multiple discretization layers are generated within each subdomain. We present examples of meshes generated by the proposed framework and discuss postprocessing strategies for their refinement and coarsening. The resulting meshes are well suited for the application of adaptive mesh refinement techniques. The proposed framework can be readily integrated with existing mesh generators and finite-element solvers that support nonconforming triangular meshes.