Interactive Virtual Cutting of Elastically Deformable Bodies

Abstract

This thesis is concerned with computational problems relevant to simulate elastically deformable bodies with changing topology. In particular, I present interactive techniques for the physically-based simulation of cuts in elastic bodies, for the collision detection among these dynamically separating objects, and for the modeling of residual stress in intact soft tissues to simulate the flap shrinkage after cutting. One motivation of this research is to enhance the functionality and performance of surgery simulators, which are becoming accepted in preoperative surgical planning and in surgical skills training, and the potential of which is yet to be fully exploited.