Cosserat-beam-based dynamic response modelling

The Cosserat beam model is traditionally used to describe the mechanics of a flexible beam, which is a one-dimensional entity. In this paper we apply the Cosserat beam model to an arbitrary three-dimensional object for fast simulation of its vibration behaviours. We encage a detailed mesh model of an object inside a much simpler supporting framework whose edges are effectively the beams (struts) of the Cosserat model. The paper focuses first on extracting the modes of vibration of the framework. Once this is done, dynamic deformations can then be quickly simulated with respect to any applied constraints and dynamic stimuli. The aim of this method is to offer realism traditionally only afforded by the finite element methods (FEMs) while providing more sophistication than the mass-spring method. Copyright (c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.