Mesh simplification of complex VRML models

Abstract: In a large part of their work Volvo Cars uses digital models - in the design process, geometry simulation, safety tests, presentation material etc. The models may be used for many purposes but they are normally only produced in one level of detail. In general, the level that suits the most extreme demands. High resolution models challenge rendering performances, transmission bandwidth and storage capacities. At Volvo Cars there is time, money and energy to be saved by adapting the the model’s level of detail to their area of usage. The aim of this thesis is to investigate if the Volvo Cars models can be reduced to containing less than 20% of its original triangles without compromising too much in quality. In the thesis, the mesh simplification field is researched and the simplification algorithm judged to best suit the needs of Volvo Cars is implemented in a C++ program. The program is used to test and analyze the Volvo Cars’ models. The results show that it is possible to take away more than 80% of the the model’s polygons hardly without affecting the appearance.