A parallel interface tracking approach for evolving geometry problems

Abstract

This paper presents a parallel interface tracking approach for evolving geometry problems where both the computational domain and mesh are updated as dictated by the analysis. An interface-fitted conforming hybrid/mixed mesh with anisotropic layered elements is used. A combination of mesh motion and mesh modification is employed to update the mesh to account for the interface motion. Mesh modification is triggered only when necessary. During mesh motion and modification the desired structure, shape and resolution of the anisotropic layered elements at the interface are maintained. All steps are performed on partitioned meshes on distributed-memory parallel computers. The effectiveness of the current approach is demonstrated on two problems with large motion or deformation in the geometry.