On June 13, 2024, Professor Chen Falai from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) was honored with the John A. Gregory Memorial Award at the International Conference on Geometry Modeling held at the Leibniz Center for Informatics in Germany. This marks the first time a scholar from mainland China has received this prestigious award.

Award Certificate (Left) and Prof. Chen Receiving the Award (Right). (Image by USTC)

Geometry modeling, the mathematical representation and construction of object shapes, serves as the geometric foundation for disciplines such as computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided engineering (CAE), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). It has broad applications in smart manufacturing, industrial digital twins, robotics, and more. Professor Chen has made groundbreaking contributions in several key areas of this field:

1. Dynamic Surface Method for Surface Implicitization: Together with collaborators, Professor Chen proposed the dynamic surface method for surface implicitization, which is currently the most effective method for rational surface implicitization. By introducing the concept of μ-bases, he deeply studied the dynamic surface method, enhancing its mathematical theory and algorithm automation. Efficient surface implicitization is crucial for solving the stability issues of surface intersections, thereby addressing the overall stability of CAD systems.

2. Spline Theory and Algorithms on T-Grids: In collaboration with his research team, Professor Chen developed the theory and algorithms for splines on T-grids, referred to by international peers as "Chinese T-splines." These results have been widely applied in mechanical analysis and it is believed that this work holds great potential in computer-aided engineering.

3. Region Parameterization Methods for Isogeometric Analysis: Professor Chen has advanced a series of region parameterization methods aimed at isogeometric analysis, promoting the integration and development of CAD and CAE applications.

The John A. Gregory Memorial Award is the highest honor in the field of geometric design, established to commemorate John Gregory, a pioneer in computer-aided geometric design. This award, given every three years, recognizes individuals who have made significant lifetime contributions to the field of geometry modeling and computational geometry. Previous recipients include renowned figures such as Pierre Bézier, a pioneer in geometric modeling, and Carl R. de Boor, a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Prof. Chen Falai. (Image by USTC)

(Written by WU Yuyang, Edited by JIANG Zhimo, USTC News Center)