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Multi-Resolution Unstructured Grid-Generation for Geophysical Applications on the SphereAn algorithm for the generation of non-uniform unstructured grids on ellipsoidal geometries is described. This technique is designed to generate high quality triangular and polygonal meshes appropriate for general circulation modelling on the sphere, including applications to atmospheric and ocean simulation, and numerical weather predication. Using a recently developed Frontal-Delaunay-refinement technique, a method for the construction of high-quality unstructured ellipsoidal Delaunay triangulations is introduced. A dual polygonal grid, derived from the associated Voronoi diagram, is also optionally generated as a by-product. Compared to existing techniques, it is shown that the Frontal-Delaunay approach typically produces grids with near-optimal element quality and smooth grading characteristics, while imposing relatively low computational expense. Initial results are presented for a selection of uniform and non-uniform ellipsoidal grids appropriate for large-scale geophysical applications. The use of user-defined mesh-sizing functions to generate smoothly graded, non-uniform grids is discussed.
Document ID
20150023485
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Engwirda, Darren
(Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Date Acquired
December 23, 2015
Publication Date
December 2, 2015
Subject Category
Numerical Analysis
Meteorology And Climatology
Report/Patent Number
GSFC-E-DAA-TN28594
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Meshing Roundtable
Location: Austin, TX
Country: United States
Start Date: October 12, 2015
End Date: October 14, 2015
Sponsors: National Science Foundation, Sandia National Labs.
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
Keywords
Weather
Triangulation
Ellipsoids
Spheres
Nonuniformity
Unstructured grids (Mathematics)
Marine meteorology
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