Point-based dynamic deformation and crack propagation

In this paper, we articulate a novel meshless computational paradigm for the effective modeling, accurate physical simulation, and rapid visualization of solid objects. The uniqueness of our approach is that both the interior and the boundary of our new volumetric representation are point-based, generalizing the powerful and popular method of point-sampled surfaces. We also build the point-based physical model founded upon continuum mechanics, which allow us to effectively model the dynamic behavior of point-based volumetric objects ranging, from elastic deformation to crack propagation. Our prototype system takes any point-sampled surfaces as input and generates both interior volumetric points and a volumetric distance field with an octree structure, which can be utilized to facilitate the crack surface evolution. The physics of these volumetric points in a solid interior are simulated using the Element-Free Galerkin (EFG) method. In sharp contrast to the traditional finite element method, the meshless property of our new technique expedites the accurate representation and precise simulation of the underlying discrete model, without the need of domain remeshing. Furthermore, we develop the new modeling and animation techniques for point-sampled surfaces to dynamically generate cracked surfaces based on the underlying distance field. The accuracy and continuity advantages of the meshless method also enable the direct visualization of the physical quantities of volumetric objects for mechanical and material analysis