Level-set-based deformation methods for adaptive grids

A new method for generating adaptive moving grids is formulated based on ph ysical quantities. Level set functions are used to construct the adaptive g rids, which are solutions of the standard level set evolution equation with the Cartesian coordinates as initial values. The intersection points of th e level sets of the evolving functions form a new grid at each time. The ve locity vector in the evolution equation is chosen according to a monitor fu nction and is equal to the node velocity. A uniform grid is then deformed t o a moving grid with desired cell volume distribution at each time. The met hod achieves precise control over the Jacobian determinant of the grid mapp ing as the traditional deformation method does. The new method is consisten t with the level set approach to dynamic moving interface problems. (C) 200 0 Academic Press.