Interpolating G1 Bézier surfaces over irregular curve networks for ship hull design

We propose a local method of constructing piecewise G Bézier patches to span an irregular curve network, without modifying the given curves at oddand 4-valent node points. Topologically irregular regions of the network are approximated by implicit surfaces, which are used to generate split curves, which subdivide the regions into triangular and/or rectangular sub-regions. The subdivided regions are then interpolated with Bézier patches. We analyze various singular cases of the G condition that is to be met by the interpolation and propose a new G continuity condition using linear and quartic scalar weight functions. Using this condition, a curve network can be interpolated without modification at 4-valent nodes with two collinear tangent vectors, even in the presence of singularities. We demonstrate our approach in a ship hull. q 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.