Removal of blends from boundary representation models

This paper reports an algorithm for deletion of blends (or fillets) from Boundary Representation (B-rep) solid models. Blend deletion is usually performed as the first step in feature recognition since it simplifies the model for recognition of volumetric features. The algorithm handles several blend types that include face-face, face-edge and vertex blends. It also handles interactions of blends with other blends and/or volumetric features. The main feature of our approach is the usage of the underlying blend structure in predicting the final topology. This results in fewer intersections and greater predictability than earlier face-deletion approaches, especially for large blend networks. Another unique feature of our algorithm is the recreation of new faces in certain situations of blend deletion.