• Korean Journal of Computational Design and Engineering
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.196-205
• /
• 2000

This paper proposes a topology-based algorithm for recognizing the passage features using a concept of multi-face hole loop. The Multi-face hole loop is a concetpual hole loop that is formed over several connected faces. A passage feature is recognized in the proposed approach by two multi-face hole loops that constitute its enterance and exit. The algorithm proposed in this paper checks the connectivity of the two multi-face hole loops to recognize passage features. The total number of passage features in a part is calculated from Euler equation and is compared with the number of found passage features to decide when to terminate. To find all multi-face hole loops in a part, this paper proposes an algorithm for finding all combinations of connected faces. The edge convexity is used to judge the validity of multi-face hole loops. By using the algorithm proposed in this paper, the passage features could be recognized effectively. The approach proposed in this paper is illustrated with several example parts.