The Medial Axis
Our patented technology is built on the principle of the Medial Axis Representation™ (MAR™), or popularly known as the skeleton of a virtual object. MAR™ is changing the way 3D digital models are represented and composed in software applications. Our representation is volumetric, unlike the traditional model - the Boundary Representation, which represents an object by its outer limits. This opens up a whole new set of exciting functionalities, which are reflected in our products.
The MAR™ enables to perform CAD drawing as well as Finite Element or CFD simulations directly on the same model and to store the results in a seamless manner. The simulation results, in particular the deformed shape, is fully recovered and can be used for evaluation or for consequent operations including further simulations.
What is MARTM?
Boundary Representation:
As of the current state-of-art, a 3D object is represented by a closed graph of the outer faces. Although it encloses a volume, it is a boundary-type of representation and not a volumetric one, therefore subject to many limitations.
Medial Axis Representation:
Medial Axis (or the skeleton) is the geometric location of maximum spheres inscribed in a 3D object. By adding a radius function defined along the Medial Axis, the resulting Medial Axis Representation™ (MAR™) defines a volume.Topological relevancy:
The MAR™ introduces the notion of thickness across the solid and provides an interior connection between the boundary elements. So called “wing edges” define the sharp corners, while the rest of the elements can be further classified function of their topological relevancy.
The same object for the user:
The MAR™ is used for reasoning. The boundary elements are kept on the skeleton structure, allowing the user to work with the same comfortable Boundary type of representation. At least for the time being…Flexible objects:
The MAR™ enables quite a few novel functions. Pictured here is the ability to deform solid objects, using realistic FEM-based simulation. The deformed shape is a valid CAD model with both MAR™ and Boundary Representation, having the same topology as the original.
