Self-intersections and smoothness of general offset surfaces (Q5945006)

In the \(m\)-dimensional Euclidean space a convex body \(N\) moves in a purely translational manner such that it always touches a closed surface \(M\), the interiors of \(M\) and \(N\) are distinct and the envelope of \(N\) during this motion is precisely \(M\). Here \(M\) may be piecewise curvature continuous, but may have curvature discontinuities along curves, and even edges. Conditions on \(M\) and \(N\) are derived which characterize this moving situation. A fixed point of \(N\) traces out the general offset surface \(\gamma\) during this motion. The author studies the connection between singularities and self-intersections of \(\gamma\) and the possible collisions of \(M\) with \(N\) during this motion. He obtains some global results. In former papers the author had studied the problem in the context of three-axis milling of sculptured surfaces [ cf. e.g. \textit{H. Pottmann, J. Wallner, G. Glaeser} and \textit{B. Ravani}, Geometric criteria for gauge-free 3-axis milling of sculptured surfaces. ASME J. Mech. Design 121, 241--248 (1999)].