physics-based simulation

We study ensembles of elastic rods that are tensioned by a small set of inextensible cables. The cables induce forces that deform the initially straight, but flexible rods into 3D space curves at equilibrium. Rods can be open or closed, knotted, and arranged in arbitrary topologies. We specifically focus on equilibrium states with no contacts among rods. Our setup can thus be seen as a generalization of classical tensegrities that are composed of rigid rods and tensile cables, to also support …

Basket weaving is a traditional craft for creating curved surfaces as an interwoven array of thin, flexible, and initially straight ribbons. The three-dimensional shape of a woven structure emerges through a complex interplay of the elastic bending behavior of the ribbons and the contact forces at their crossings. Curvature can be injected by carefully placing topological singu-larities in the otherwise regular weaving pattern. However, shape control through topology is highly non-trivial and …