Abstract
We introduce an isoparametric finite element analysis method for models generated using Doo-Sabin subdivision surfaces. Our approach aims to narrow the gap between geometric modeling and physical simulation that have traditionally been treated as separate modules. This separation is due to the substantial geometric representation differences between these two processes. Accordingly, a unified representation is investigated in this study. Our proposed method performs the geometric modeling via Doo-Sabin subdivision surfaces, which are defined as the limit surface of a recursive Doo-Sabin refinement process. The same basis functions are later utilized to define isoparametric shell elements for physical simulation. Furthermore, the accuracy of the simulation can be adjusted by the basis refinements, without changing the geometry or its parametrization. The unified representation allows rapid data transfer between geometric design and finite-element analysis, eliminating the need for inconvenient remodeling/meshing procedures commonly deployed. Experiments show that the physical simulation accuracy of the introduced models quickly converges to high resolution finite element models, using classical hexahedron and triangular prism elements.
