Parallel unstructured mesh adaptation method for moving body applications

Adaptive, unstructured grid methods, in which the mesh is allowed to deform, and grid quality is subsequently restored through localized coarsening and refinement, offer the potential of a more rapid, straightforward approach to generalized moving body problems. Automation of this mesh movement and quality correction strategy requires close coupling with the flow solution process. With parallel simulations now common, parallel coarsening and refinement methods for moving meshes are needed. In this work, parallel mesh adaptation strategies are developed to treat deforming, decomposed domains. Distortion of the moving mesh is assessed using a deformation matrix analysis. A two-pass approach is implemented in which cell migration shifts the interprocessor boundary, thereby accommodating coarsening and refinement of the interproeessor faces. The adapted grids are rebalanced among the processors using available techniques. Representative cases are presented to demonstrate the parallel approach and maintenance of mesh quality for practical separation events.