Exact Analytical Parallel Vectors

Abstract: This paper demonstrates that parallel vector curves are piecewise cubic rational curves in 3D piecewise linear vector fields. Parallel vector curves -- loci of points where two vector fields are parallel -- have been widely used to extract features including ridges, valleys, and vortex core lines in scientific data. We define the term \emph{generalized and underdetermined eigensystem} in the form of $\mathbf{A}\mathbf{x}+\mathbf{a}=\lambda(\mathbf{B}\mathbf{x}+\mathbf{b})$ in order to derive the piecewise rational representation of 3D parallel vector curves. We discuss how singularities of the rationals lead to different types of intersections with tetrahedral cells.