The surface‐reconstruction virtual‐region mesh update method for problems with topology changes

Abstract

In this work, we introduce a novel boundary-conforming mesh-update method that is particularly designed for problems with large boundary displacements and topology changes. This method, which we call the surface-reconstruction virtual-region mesh update method, integrates the virtual region approach and a surface reconstruction process to handle complex boundary movements. The virtual region approach allows having an activated and deactivated part of the mesh, where elements can freely enter or leave the activated domain. Furthermore, the surface reconstruction ensures boundary conformity of the activated domain. The robustness of the proposed method is shown in two numerical examples: a variation of the benchmark Poiseuille flow, and the flow simulation during a closing diaphragm valve. In particular, the diaphragm valve simulation includes large boundary movement, complex geometry, and closing motion. For this case, both steady and transient simulation results at different closing conditions are presented.