SMS:Mesh Node Triangulation

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A simple means of creating a large number of elements is to triangulate a set of nodes into a network. This provides a surface that simulates the region being modeled, but normally does not result in quality elements.

This option is available through the Triangulate command from the Elements menu is executed. The selected nodes are connected with a series of triangles. If nodes are not selected, then all nodes will be triangulated. If linear elements exist, or a linear element creation tool has been selected, then this command creates linear triangles. Otherwise, quadratic triangles are created.

TriangulateExample.png

The triangulation algorithm ensures that the Delauney criterion is satisfied. The Delauney criterion is such that the circumcircle of a triangle does not enclose a node on any other element. The circumcircle of a triangle is the circle that passes through its vertices.

TriangleCircumcircle.png

Optimize Triangulation

At times, it's necessary to perform manual mesh editing using the Swap Edge tool. This makes the Delauney criterion no longer hold. Selected elements can be returned to the Delauney state by choosing the Optimize Triangulation command from the Elements menu.

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