Unidirectional T-splines for Automotive Local-Feature-Lines Modeling Enhanced by Isogeometric Analysis

Local-Feature-Line (LFL) modeling is essential for car-body styling design with the capability of expressing the designer's aesthetic intention and sense. In this paper, we present a new LFL modelling approach based on unidirectional T-spline surface (UT-splines) and isogeometric analysis (IGA). UTsplines is a subset of T-spline surface (T-splines) and can be applied to efficiently build the LFL with a simple surface structure and local refinements. We also incorporate thin-shell mechanical property into UT-splines through IGA to produce an UT-splines+, which seamlessly integrates together the design model and analysis model. In this way, we can employ the analysis model within UT-splines+ to flexibly modify the LFL into a desirable shape through intuitive mechanical editing, saving a lot of time as in geometric editing that commonly requires laborious adjustments of control points. Moreover, we can easily achieve the simultaneous engineering analysis during LFL modeling also based on UT-splines+ without needing the costly meshing process, which greatly facilitates automotive styling design for engineering designers. Finally, a case study about car bonnet design is investigated in details to prove the effectiveness of our new modeling approach in practical application. © 2023 CAD Solutions, LLC, http://www.cad-journal.net.