NETGEN An advancing front 2D/3D-mesh generator based on abstract rules

Abstract. In this paper, the algorithms of the automatic mesh generator NETGEN are described. The domain is provided by a Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG). The whole task of 3D mesh generation splits into four subproblems of special point calculation, edge following, surface meshing and finally volume mesh generation. Surface and volume mesh generation are based on the advancing front method. Emphasis is given to the abstract structure of the element generation rules. Several techniques of mesh optimization are tested and quality plots are presented.