A polyhedron clipping and capping algorithm and a display system for three dimensional finite element models

Abstract

This paper describes an algorithm for clipping and capping polyhedrons and a display system for three-dimensional finite element math models to facilitate viewing internal surfaces in the form of continuous tone computer generated color images. A plane is passed through the model with the result that the elements (or portions thereof) on one side of the plane may be eliminated. A new grid is generated for the cutting plane to include the prediction of such quantities as displacements, stresses, and temperatures. The Cutting plane is colored and/or warped to indicate the variation of selected scalar functions.