Accurate Modelling of Complex Functional Surfaces for Mechanical Design Using Freeform Surfaces

Abstract

Freeform curves and surfaces are commonly used in CAD, and NURBS is particularly popular because it can model freeform curves and surfaces as well as conic curves and quadric surfaces exactly. This paper describes a method that allows the creation of NURBS surfaces that approximate complex functional surfaces that can be described in closed form. The accuracy of the approximation can be controlled. [S1050-0472(00)00202-6]