If you need a 3D model of the trefoil knot, on this page you can download two versions of this interesting 3D surface.

The first 3D model was created based on a tutorial, while working (or rather practicing) in Blender 3D software. Some time later, when we got interested in TopMod software, we imported this 3D model into it and applied the Rind modeling command. As a result, we obtained another, more complex 3D model. Speaking of which, in mathematics there is a whole branch called the ‘knot theory’ which deals with bodies like this. Accordingly, the trefoil knot is the simplest nontrivial knot; for the average person, however, it is much more interesting how to obtain it, and this is actually very easy - by joining two loose ends of a common overhand knot.  If you take a look at the trefoil knot in the picture and concentrate on the previous sentence, after a while, and with a little imagination, you will see what we mean!

 

3D models of trefoil knot
3D CAD software used for modeling

 

- Topmod for modeling

- Rhino 3D and T-splines plug-in for conversion to NURBS 3D surfaces

Available NURBS and BREP file formats

Surface 3D model - .igs (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification)

Available polygonal mesh file formats

.obj

 

Download 3D model (BREP and NURBS)
Download 3D model (polygonal mesh)

Submitted by Ceh Jan