Mesh quality agglomeration algorithm for the virtual element method applied to discrete fracture networks

Abstract We propose a quality-based optimization strategy to reduce the total number of degrees freedom associated with discrete problem defined over polygonal tessellation Virtual Element Method. The presented Quality Agglomeration algorithm relies only on geometrical properties mesh, agglomerating groups neighboring elements. test this approach in context fractured porous media, which generation global conforming mesh Discrete Fracture Network leads considerable unknowns, due presence highly complex geometries (e.g. thin triangles, large angles, small edges) and significant size computational domains. show efficiency robustness our approach, applied independently each fracture for different network configurations, exploiting flexibility Method handling general