A simple finite element model for cloth drape simulation

Abstract

Uses Newmark’s method to carry out a time‐stepping finite element analysis to predict the behaviour of a cloth garment as it falls from an initial horizontal position to a final position draped around a human body form. Bases the finite element model on a simple beam element, in order to minimize the computational time. Accounts for large displacement behaviour by including the element geometric stiffness. Bases the body form on anthropomorphic data produced by a shadow scanner. Enlists a novel scheme to model the contact between the cloth and the underlying body form. Uses the finite element model to provide data for an animated display and finds that it produces sufficiently realistic results for the garment designer’s purposes.