Multi-layer Thick Shells

We present a novel mesh-based method for simulating the intricate dynamics of (potentially multi-layered) continuum thick shells. In order to accurately represent the constitutive behavior of structural responses in the thickness direction, we develop a dual-quadrature prism finite element formulation that is free from shear locking and naturally incorporates three-dimensional elastoplastic and viscoelastic constitutive models. Additionally, we introduce a simple and effective technique for embedding a high resolution membrane layer on top of the thick shell to enable independent high-frequency deformation modes that generate realistic wrinkles. With our novelly designed sparse basis vectors for the high-frequency deformations, the constrained Lagrangian mechanics problem is expressed as an unconstrained optimization and then efficiently solved by a custom alternating minimization technique. Our method opens up a new possibility for fast, high-quality, and thickness-aware simulations of leather garments, pillows, mats, metal boards, and potentially a variety of other thick structures.

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Project Publications

Yunuo Chen, Tianyi Xie, Cem Yuksel, Danny Kaufman, Yin Yang, Chenfanfu Jiang, Minchen LiMulti-layer Thick ShellsACM Transactions on Graphics (Proceedings of SIGGRAPH 2023), 42, 4, 2023