Generation of finite element hexahedral mesh and its trend of development

The major difficulty with the 3-D finite element simulation of an engineering problem lies in the construction of models, which needs the proper generation of 3-D finite element hexahedral mesh of high quality. The necessity to use a hexahedral unit is justified by taking the 3-D finite element simulation of the plastic formation of metals as an example. The theories behind and trends of development of different ways of generating finite element hexahedral meshes are systematically analysed, and the general trend of development for generation of hexadedral mesh is discussed as well. It is concluded that the full automatic generation of hexahedral mesh in complex domains is the key to the popularization of full automatic generation of hexahedral mesh.