Alternative approach for determination of singularity of envelope to a family of parametric surfaces

The purpose of the paper is determination of singularities of an envelope t o a family of parametric surfaces. The authors propose a simplified solutio n to this problem based on consideration of the surface of action that is f ormed by the lines of tangency of the envelope and the generating surface o f the tool. The proposed approach is illustrated by determination of singul arities of envelopes for complex cases of surface generation. Computer prog rams in support of numerical solutions have been developed. (C) 1998 Elsevi er Science S.A. All rights reserved.