3D chainmail: a fast algorithm for deforming volumetric objects

An algorithm is presented that enables fast deformation of volumetric objects. Using this algorithm, rigid, deformable, elastic and plastic materials can be modeled by adjusting deformation limits for indifvidual elements. An interactive system that combines the deformation algorithm with collision detection and an energy minimizing elastic relaxation step is described. Using this system, objects containing up to 125,000 elements have been deformed interactively on an SGI Indy.