This paper addresses the issue of generating mathematical models of flexible objects suitable for NRM simulation. These models should contain proper information not only on the objects geometry, but also on the physical properties 'Of the material they are made of. This paper mainly addresses the geometrical issues of generating particle-based models of flexible objects, but basic methods for determining the material characterization in some special cases are also discussed. The ongoing research work performed by the authors and the related results are presented.
Keywords:Non Rigid Materials simulation, particle models
IntroductionThere is an increasing market demand for the simulation of non-rigid objects. In industrial sectors where traditionally CAD systems are used (i.e., automotive, aeronautics, ... ) there are situations where the simulation of non-rigid parts is required and not available (for example; the simulation of wires, seats, etc.). There are industrial sectors where CAD systems are not used since they do not support modeling of non-rigid products (i.e., textile, fashion, food, ... ). Finally there are novel sectors like the medical area, where the simulation of non-rigid bodies would support and improve several critical tasks, like training of procedures and pre-op simulation.The simulation of objects behaviour requires the creation of a model. Traditional geometric modeling is a mature technology but is not appropriate for non-rigid objects simulation because the generated models lack the kind of information which is needed by a non-rigid material simulator. Current solid models mainly carry information on the geometrical and topological aspects of the model's "outside" (its boundary), plus optional information of the overall volume and mass, assuming the model is rigid and made of a homogeneous and isotropic material.