Parametric Deformation of Mesh Models for Efficient CAE

Free-form deformation (FFD) is a popular method for deforming 3D geometric models. FFD first embeds the model in the parametric space defined by regular lattice (handle). Then by deforming the handle, the embedded model is deformed. However the FFD has following problems for engineering applications such as deformation of mesh models for computer aided engineering (CAE): 1) It is difficult to make handle suitable for intended deformation type such as bend and twist, 2) it requires complicated manipulation to deform and 3) it can not explicitly specify the degree of deformations such as angle of bend. Therefore, in order to solve these problems, we present a parametric deformation method for mesh models. First, we propose an FFD based on barycentric coordinates (BCFFD). Then, we propose an automatic handle construction method for the BCFFD based on definition and classification of deformation types such as bend, twist and so on. Finally, we propose a parametric deformation method. Using our methods, the user can deform the mesh model by selecting deformation type and portions to be deformed, and by manipulating one or two deformation parameters