The THex Algorithm and a Simple Darcy Solver on Hexahedral Meshes

Abstract In this paper, we first present the THex algorithm that refines a tetrahedral mesh into a hexahedral mesh. Strategies for efficient implementation of the THex algorithm are discussed. Then we present the lowest order weak Galerkin (WG) ( Q 0 , Q 0 ; RT [0] ) finite element method for solving the Darcy equation on general hexahedral meshes. This simple solver uses constant pressure unknowns inside hexahedra and on faces but specifies the discrete weak gradients of these basis functions in local Raviart-Thomas RT [0] spaces. Implementation of this solver is straightforward. The solver is locally mass-conservative, and produces continuous normal fluxes, regardless of hexahedral mesh quality. When the mesh is asymptotically parallelopiped, this Darcy solver exhibits optimal order convergence in pressure, velocity, and flux, as demonstrated by numerical results.