Abstract
This paper presents a physics-based model for virtual cloth simulation specifically targeted for CAD applications in the clothing sector. A discrete particlebased model in Newtonian formulation is considered, in which particle grids define the fabric structure. Grid particles interact with each other through forces describing local traction and compression, bending and shear properties depending on the fabric material. Interactions with the surrounding environment are described in terms of external forces, imposed kinematicgeometrical constraints, and collisions with obstacles. Collision detection is based on bounding box hierarchies and region decomposition. The model is implemented in the framework of a 3D graphical environment for virtual garment design, and includes operators for monitoring the whole 3D garment shape definition process, e.g. panel sewing, button/dart insertion, multi-layered fabric composition, and other garment finishings. As applications, male and female cloth shapes simulated on virtual mannequins are shown. Results have been assessed in the frame-work of European and Italian projects for virtual cloth design.
