Discrete transfinite mappings for the description and meshing of three‐dimensional surfaces using interactive computer graphics

A system for describing three‐dimensional surfaces in a form suitable for finite element analysis is described. The system makes extensive use of real‐time interactive computer graphics techniques for both input and display. Discrete transfinite mappings are used as the mathematical basis for the surface representation. The mathematical basis and the reasons for choosing this form of representation are discussed. Explicit forms of the mappings based on Lagrange polynomial interpolation functions are presented. Finally, the interactive graphics procedures for defining finite element meshes are described.