Interactive animation of cloth‐like objects in virtual reality

Modeling and animation of cloth have experienced important developments in recent years. As a consequence, complex textile models can be used to realistically drape objects or human characters in a fairly efficient way. However, real‐time realistic simulation remains a major challenge, even if applications are numerous, from rapid prototyping to e‐commerce. In this paper, we present a stable, real‐time algorithm for animating cloth‐like materials. Using a hybrid explicit/implicit algorithm, we perform fast and stable time integration of a physically based model with rapid collision detection and response, as well as wind or liquid drag effects to enhance realism. We demonstrate our approach through a series of examples in virtual reality environments, proving that real‐time animation of cloth, even on low‐end computers, is now achievable. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.