A robust method for real-time thread simulation

We present a physically based model for real-time simulation of thread dynamics. Our model captures all the relevant aspects of the physics of the thread, including quasi-zero elasticit, bending, torsion and self-collision, and it provides output forces for the haptic feedback. The physical properties are modeled in terms of constraints that are iteratively satisfied while the numerical integration is carried out through a Verlet scheme. This approach leads to an unconditionally stable, controllable and computationally light simulation. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of our model, showing the interaction of the thread with other objects in real time and the creation of complex knots.