On Deformable Models

Deformable models are a new class of physically-based modeling primitives for use in computer graphics, especially for animation. Deformable curves, surfaces, and solids are governed by the mechanical principles of continuous bodies whose shapes can change over time. These primitives are capable of a variety of behaviors, including elasticity, viscoelasticity, plasticity, fracture, conductive heat transfer, thermoplasticity, melting, and fluid-like behavior in the molten state. By numerically simulating the equations of motion that govern deformable models, while visualizing their state variables, we are able to create realistic animations depicting nonrigid objects in simulated physical worlds.