A model for simulating flexible surfaces of cloth objects

This paper presents a model for simulating flexible surfaces of cloth objects. The model is to simulate cloth deformations in three-dimensional (3D) space from two-dimensional (2D) patterns by using the finite element method (FEM) with geometric constraints. A 3D form is obtained from a 2D pattern based on the geometric constraints and material properties of cloth objects. The geometric constraint of cloth objects which differs from that of other materials is presented as an important factor in the simulating procedure. Various approaches and difficulties involved in simulating flexible surfaces are also briefly discussed. Finally, an example is given to describe the model. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.