Deformable Object Modeling Using the Time-Dependent Finite Element Method

Continuum mechanics and the finite element method are used as basic tools to facilitate the animation of deformable objects. Two unique features in this paper are: (1) introduction of a framework for 3-D finite interface elements to deal with object interaction and (2) a simple approach to handle fracture propagation inside objects. Animation sequences have been constructed, and they indicate that the system is able to provide a realistic depiction of dynamic collision processes between deformable objects and a simple presentation of fracture propagation inside objects. c © 1998 Academic Press