An Overview of Flattening Methods for Complex Surface

This paper intends to elaborate the research results of flattening complex surface. Firstly, several typical flattening methods for complex surface are discussed in detail, such as geometry flattening, mechanics flattening and geometry flattening/mechanics revision including their principles, characters and engineering applications. Secondly, the domestic and foreign research present situations are elaborated and their classical algorithms are illustrated such as the triangle surface patches flattening method, flattening surface algorithm based on the spring-mass model. Finally, the comprehensive evaluation for flattening result is proposed, and the development trends and applications of flattening surface are prospected.