Flexible simulation of deformable models using discontinuous Galerkin FEM

We propose a simulation technique for elastically deformable objects based on the discontinuous Galerkin finite element method (DG FEM). In contrast to traditional FEM, it overcomes the restrictions of conforming basis functions by allowing for discontinuous elements with weakly enforced continuity constraints. This added flexibility enables the simulation of arbitrarily shaped, convex and non-convex polyhedral elements, while still using simple polynomial basis functions. For the accurate strain integration over these elements we propose an analytic technique based on the divergence theorem. Being able to handle arbitrary elements eventually allows us to derive simple and efficient techniques for volumetric mesh generation, adaptive mesh refinement, and robust cutting. Furthermore, we show DG FEM not to suffer from locking artifacts even for nearly incompressible materials, a problem that in standard FEM requires special handling.