Shape Modification by Beam Model in FEM

Shape modification and deformation play an important role in the filed of geometry modeling, computer graphics, conceptual design and so on. A novel physically based shape modification approach is presented in this article, with beam model in finite element method (FEM). By means of interactively creating a beam with circle cross section based on pre-defined local coordinate system, the primitive geometry model is embedded in the beam globally or locally. After imposing external loads, such as concentrated force or couple, on selected nodes, their displacement can be computed. Moreover, deflection, axial deformation and twist angle of beam model can also be interpolated using shape function matrix. As a result, object is modified as a part of beam. The proposed approach is linear, simple and fast, by which stretch, bending, taping and twist deformation can be accomplished. Finally, some experimental results are given to demonstrate that the presented method is potentially useful in geometry modeling and shape design.