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Question
I get an error message saying "A self-intersection was detected" when I try to generate the unstructured mesh by TetGen - see Fig. 1. Why?

Fig 1 - Error message "A self-intersection was detected"

Answer
The error may be triggered by the intersection of geometries. 

There are two types of intersections not allowed in the TetGen mesh generator - see Fig 2. and Fig. 3. Unfortunately, if this is the case, you must go back to your geological software and repair the surfaces there.

 

Fig. 2 - Example of intersection not allowed in the TetGen mesh generator

 

 

Fig. 3 - Example of intersection not allowed in the TetGen mesh generator

Fig. 4 illustrates a good example of no holes and no intersection/overlapping. The example is imported from GOCAD.
 
 

Fig. 4 - Geometries with no holes and no intersection/overlapping

You can find more information about the issue in our FEFLOW 8.0 Documentation - Supermesh 3D


FURTHER INFORMATION & USEFUL LINKS

Manuals and Guidelines
FEFLOW 8.0 Documentation - Supermesh 3D

Related Products: FEFLOW