GGU-SETTLE: "Refine individual elements" menu item

The program allows the refinement of a current triangle mesh. Refinement is generally only then necessary when you would like to supplement a current triangle mesh with further, possibly fictitious, nodes.

Using this menu item, it is possible to select individual elements of the constrained modulus mesh for refinement, after selecting the refining method:

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Three different methods can be used for triangle mesh refinement. Method '3' generally gives the best mesh refinement and is recommended.

Three different refinement methods can be applied for element refinement. Refinement will be demonstrated on the following mesh using element 23 as an example.

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Figure 5 Refinement demonstration mesh

• "Method 1"
  An additional node is generated in the centroid of the selected triangle.

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Figure 6 FEM mesh refinement using Method 1

• "Method 2"
  The selected triangle element and the neighbouring triangle element are halved.

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Figure 7 FEM mesh refinement using Method 2

• "Method 3"
  A new triangle element is inserted at the median of the clicked triangle element. The neighbouring triangle elements are halved.

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Figure 8 FEM mesh refinement using Method 3