Optimesh is an acronym for a remeshing scheme based on a "minimum energy" rule. The Optimesh algorithm belongs to the family of elliptic remeshing rules and, as such, handles internal nodal displacements as variables. The CPU requirements for Optimesh are therefore similar to those of the Thompson transformation. However, Optimesh is often more robust than the Thompson transformation because the angular deformation of each individual element is under control of the remeshing rule.
Optimesh can be used for any 2D problem, and for any 3D extrusion problem (or any 3D problem that does not require remeshing in one direction, typically the direction of extrusion).
For 3D extrusion problems, the domain is sliced in the direction of extrusion, generating a series of 2D meshes on which the Optimesh rule can be applied. Figure 16.6: Detail of a 2D Grid Remeshed with Optimesh shows a portion of a 2D grid remeshed with Optimesh.