From Axial C-Hedra to General P-Nets

Abstract

We give a full classification of continuous flexible discrete axial cone-nets, which are called axial C-hedra. The obtained result can also be used to construct their semi-discrete analogs. Moreover, we identify a novel subclass within the determined class of (semi-)discrete axial cone-nets, whose members are named axial P-nets as they fulfill the proportion (P) of the intercept theorem. Known special cases of these axial P-nets are the smooth and discrete conic crease patterns with reflecting rule lines. By using a parallelism operation one can even generalize axial P-nets. The resulting general P-nets constitute a rich novel class of continuous flexible (semi-)discrete surfaces, which allow direct access to their spatial shapes by three control polylines. This intuitive method makes them suitable for transformable design tasks using interactive tools.