Potential field based geometric modelling using the method of fundamental solutions

We propose a new geometric modelling method based on the so-called potential field (PF) modelling technique. The harmonic problem associated with this technique is solved numerically using the method of fundamental solutions (MFS). We investigate the applicability of the proposed approach to parametrically defined curves of varying complexity. Based on the MFS, we also provide definitions of the Boolean operations associated with the geometric modelling. Finally, we give practical applications of the method to computer-aided design and manufacturing problems. Copyright q 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.