Queen’s University research group relies on Coreform Cubit to efficiently mesh complex Earth Science models

Background

The Carol Ellis Digital Earth Science and Engineering Lab at Queen’s University is an interdisciplinary research group in Earth science and engineering led by Professor Hom Nath Gharti. The team aims to leverage computational methods and AI algorithms to analyze and interpret vast amounts of data collected from sources such as satellites, remote sensing platforms, and ground-based sensors, in support of sustainable development. They combine observed data with sophisticated modeling to understand complex processes across applications that range from urban noise, exploration seismology, and mining to global geodynamics.

Problem

The research group relies on numerical methods that use weak form and therefore benefit from quadrilateral and hexahedral elements. For these methods, hexahedral elements reduce distortion and improve numerical accuracy and stability. Creating hexahedral meshes for complex three‑dimensional models remains challenging, and available options for hexahedral meshing are limited compared to triangular and tetrahedral tools. The team needed high‑quality, conforming hexahedral meshes for difficult geometries, including a realistic urban environment, a life‑size whale skeleton, a rock slope, and an underground ore mine. Meeting these requirements called for meshing features that could reliably generate structured, conforming meshes for intricate solids and surfaces.

Figure 1. Hexahedral mesh on a whale skeleton model. Biological shapes like skeletons are often unsweepable. Coreform Cubit’s Sculpt tool is well-suited for automatically generating hex meshes on such models.

Solution

For the lab’s broad range of geoscientific problems, the researchers use weak‑form numerical methods that favor hexahedral elements because they reduce element distortion and support numerical accuracy and stability. By comparison, relying on tetrahedral meshes makes it harder to control distortion and preserve these properties in weak‑form formulations.

Generating hexahedral meshes for complex three‑dimensional models remains difficult, and specialized hex meshing software is required. Coreform Cubit provides the capabilities necessary to generate hex meshes for complex models. There are three tools they use most extensively: “pave” to create quadrilateral surface meshes, and “sweep” to extend those surfaces through volumes to form hexahedral meshes. For non-sweepable models, the team uses the Sculpt auto hex mesher to generate hexahedral meshes. These capabilities enable the group to build meshes for demanding cases such as a three‑dimensional underground ore mine, a life‑size whale skeleton, and a realistic urban environment (pictured).

Figure 2: Quadrilateral mesh of an urban area. Colored blocks represent the buildings.

Figure 2. Noise propagation due to the train horn in an urban area. White blocks represent the buildings.

Figure 3. Quadrilateral mesh for a complex geological structure.

Figure 3. Hexahedral mesh for a complex underground ore mine.

Conclusion

Coreform Cubit plays a critical role in the group’s development of new numerical methods and in comprehensive benchmarking and validation on complex models in geomechanics and exploration seismology. Its flexible meshing capabilities, combined with accessible user resources, help accelerate research progress while maintaining mesh quality for demanding applications. As a result, Coreform Cubit hex meshing software provides a practical foundation for generating the conforming, hexahedral and quadrilateral meshes the team needs, enabling accurate simulations across a wide range of Earth science problems. This reliable workflow contributes directly to good results by helping the Queen’s University team prepare high‑quality meshes, integrate with their simulation tools, and focus effort on scientific insight rather than mesh repair.