Three dimensional simulation method

A three-dimensional simulation apparatus comprising:

• a memory that stores shape data on a three-dimensional model of a designing object device including a linear flexible object;
• and
• a processing unit executing:
• reading out the shape data stored in the memory,
• specifying data that forms sections of the linear flexible object from the read-out shape data;
• determining reference positions on the specified sections;
• specifying data that forms a side surface that connects together the sections of the linear flexible object from the read-out shape data;
• extracting a curve that passes on the side surface that connects together the sections from the specified side surface forming data;
• specifying a distance from an outer edge of the section that the extracted curve passes to the reference position on the section;
• specifying a normal direction of the side surface at the position of the extracted curve;
• specifying a path that connects together the reference positions on the sections by shifting the curve by the amount corresponding to the specified distance in a direction opposite to the specified normal direction of the side surface;
• and
• specifying a flexible body model of the linear flexible object from the shape of each section, the reference positions and the path.

A three-dimensional simulation method to be executed by a computer comprising:

• to read out the shape data stored in a memory;
• to specify data that forms sections of the linear flexible object from the read-out shape data;
• to determine reference positions on the specified sections;
• to specify data that forms a side surface that connects together the sections of the linear flexible object from the read-out shape data;
• to extract a curve that passes on the side surface that connects together the sections from the specified side surface forming data;
• to specify a distance from an outer edge of the section that the extracted curve passes to the reference position on the section;
• to specify a normal direction of the side surface at the position of the extracted curve;
• to specify a path that connects together the reference positions on the sections by shifting the curve by the amount corresponding to the specified distance in a direction opposite to the specified normal direction of the side surface;
• and
• to specify a flexible body model of the linear flexible object from the shape of each section, the reference positions and the path.