Advancing front techniques for filling space with arbitrary separated objects

Published in Finite Elements in Analysis and Design Vol. 46 (1-2), pp. 140-151, 2010
doi: 10.1016/j.finel.2009.06.032

Abstract

A review is given of advancing front techniques for filling space with arbitrary separated objects. Over the last decade, these techniques have reached a considerable degree of maturity and are being used to generate clouds of points for SPH and FPM simulations, as well as spheres, ellipsoids, objects defined by a collection of spheres or polyhedral objects for DEM simulations. Algorithmic as well as implementational aspects are discussed. Techniques to obtain maximum packing, such as closest object placement (during generation) and move/enlarge (after generation) are also considered. Several examples are included that demonstrate the capabilities developed.