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

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.

Solution

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, “sweep” to extend those surfaces through volumes to form hexahedral meshes, and Sculpt automtatic hex mesher to generate meshes for non-sweepable models.

After creating the mesh in Coreform Cubit, the team employs MeshAssist  to export and process the mesh files for SPECFEM3D,  an open-source geoscientific software for wave propagation simulations, to perform the simulation. Finally, the open-source parallel visualization software ParaView is used to perform the 3D visualization. 

Using “pave” and “sweep” and Sculpt and following this open-source workflow, the group was able to build meshes for demanding cases such as a life‑size whale skeleton (Figure 1), a three‑dimensional underground ore mine (Figure 2),  a realistic urban environment (Figures 3 and 5), and a rock slope with a complex geological formation (Figure 4).

Coreform Cubit’s live webinar series and active user forum have been invaluable in helping the team tackle some of the very complex meshing challenges.

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.

Figure 2. Hexahedral mesh for a complex underground ore mine.

Figure 3: Quadrilateral mesh of an urban area. Colored blocks represent the buildings.

Figure 4. Quadrilateral mesh for a complex geological structure.

Figure 5. Noise propagation due to the train horn in an urban area. White blocks represent the buildings.

Conclusion

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.