Triangulation of unordered data using trimmed NURBS computer aided design models

Abstract Computer aided design (CAD) models of many complex engineering parts, typically in the aerospace and the automotive industries, are defined using trimmed NURBS. The shape of the finished part can be captured by measuring a sufficiently large number of points. Triangulation of those points is a frequent requirement in the analysis of that shape as part of the quality assessment and of the product and manufacturing process development. The paper proposes a new method for efficient and robust triangulation of large sets of unordered three-dimensional points, based on the available CAD model. Unlike many other methods, it is not constrained by certain types of measurement distribution or object shapes. Examples involving real engineering parts are presented, with the conclusion that the method was well suited for the perceived applications in engineering manufacture.