Effective contact measures. (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lysenko, Mikola; Shapiro, Vadim
• Is Part Of: Computer aided design. Volume 70(2016)
• Page Start: 134
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: Contact area -- Measure -- Curvature -- Approximation; Computer-aided design -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Computer graphics -- Periodicals; Conception technique -- Informatique -- Périodiques; Infographie -- Périodiques; Computer graphics; Engineering design -- Data processing; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.00420285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cad.2015.06.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0010-4485

Abstract

Abstract: Contact area is an important geometric measurement in many physical systems. It is also difficult to compute due to its extreme sensitivity to infinitesimal perturbations. In this paper, we propose a new concept called an effective contact measure, which acts as a smooth version of contact area. Effective contact measures incorporate a notion of scale into the definition of contact area, allowing one to consider the degree of contact at different sizes. We show how effective contact measures can yield useful statistics for a number of applications, including analysis of multiphase materials and docking/alignment problems. Highlights: Introduces a new concept of effective contact measure as an approximation of surface contact area. Proposes 3 new concepts of effective contact measures. Discusses application to alignment problems.