The Surface Evolver

Kenneth A. Brakke

CONTENTS
Introduction
Acknowledgements
1. General Overview
2. Three Examples of the Evolver in Action
3. Surface Models
4. Energies
5. Constraints
6. Iteration
7. Surface Operations
8. User Interface Details
9. Application: The Hopf Cone Conjecture
10. Future Directions
References
Software Availability

The Surface Evolver is a computer program that minimizes

the energy of a surface subject to constraints. The surface is
represented as a simplicial complex. The energy can include
surface tension, gravity and other forms. Constraints can be
geometrical constraints on vertex positions or constraints on
integrated quantities such as body volumes. The minimization
is done by evolving the surface down the energy gradient.
This paper describes the mathematical model used and the
operations available to interactively modify the surface.

INTRODUCTION



 

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