A fast robust algorithm for the intersection of triangulated surfaces

The use of discrete data to represent engineering structures as derivatives from intersecting components requires algorithms to perform Boolean operations between groups of triangulated surfaces. In the intersection process, an accurate and efficient method for the determination of intersection lines is a crucial step for large scale and complex surface intersections. An algorithm based on tracing the neighbours of intersecting triangles (TNOIT) is proposed to determine the intersection lines. Given the node numbers at the vertices of the triangles, the neighbour relationship is first established. A background grid is employed to limit the scope of searching for candidate triangles that may intersect. This will drastically reduce the time of geometrical checking for intersections between triangles, making the surface intersection and mesh generation a quasi-linear process with respect to the number of elements involved. In the determination of intersection between two triangles, four fundamental cases are identified and treated systematically to enhance robustness and reliability. Tracing the neighbours for the determination of intersection lines not only greatly increases the efficiency of the process, it also improves the reliability as branching and degenerated cases can all be dealt with in a consistent manner on the intersecting surfaces concerned. Five examples on a great variety of surface and mesh characteristics are given to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the algorithm.