Lecture 6

Solid Modelling

Session Speaker
Umesh S.

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 Session Objectives

At the end of this session, student will be able to :

• Describe the features of B-rep and CSG solid modelling approaches
• Discuss the role of history/ specification tree in geometric
modelling
• Discuss assembly modelling techniques, constraints used and
analysis procedure

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 Solid Modeling
• Solid modeling techniques are based on informationally
complete, valid, and unambiguous representations of objects.
• Simply stated, a complete geometric data representation of an
object is one that enables points in space to be classified
relative to the object, if it is inside, outside, or on the object.

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 Solid Modeling (Contd..)
• In all, A solid model of an object is a more complete
representation than its surface model.
• It is unique from the latter in the topological
information it stores which potentially permits
functional automation and integration.
• For example, the mass property calculations or finite
element mesh generation of an object can be
performed fully automatically, at least in theory,
without any user intervention .
• Typically, a solid model consists of both the topological
and geometric data of its corresponding object.
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 Solid Modeling
• Examples:

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 Solid Modeling (Contd..)
• Examples:

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 Solid Modeling (Contd..)
• Examples:

Landing Gear
Assembly

Transmission Sys
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 Solid Modeling (Contd..)
• Many methods have been proposed for solid
modeling.
• Two methods –
– Constructive solid geometry (CSG or C-rep)
– Boundary representation (B-rep)
have been widely used.
• Hybrid ( feature based modelers)

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 CSG Method:
• Models are constructed using combinations of simple
solid primitives, such as blocks, cylinders, spheres, cones
and so on.

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 • The primitives are created in 3-D space with
respect to one another and using Boolean
operations, the desired shape is generated.

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 • Many features found in engineering
components such as fillet blends, drafts may be
difficult or time consuming to produce.
• More complex shapes such as those found in
automobile body panes are practically
impossible to model.

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 CSG Example

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 Boundary Representation
• Models are a more explicit representation than CSG.
• The object is represented by a complicated data structure
giving information about each of the object's faces, edges
and vertices and how they are joined together.
• Appears to be a more natural representation for Vision
since surface information is readily available.
• The description of the object can be into two parts:

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 Topology
• Records the connectivity of the faces, edges and
vertices by means of pointers in the data structure.
Geometry
• Describes the exact shape and position of each of the
edges, faces and vertices.

•The geometry of a vertex is just its position in

space as given by its (x,y,z) coordinates.
•Edges may be straight lines, circular arcs, etc..
•A face is represented by some description of its
surface (algebraic or parametric forms used).

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 • Topological rules must be satisfied to ensure valid
objects
– Faces bounded by loop of edges
– Each edge shared by exactly two faces
– Each edge has vertex at each end
– At least 3 edges meet at each vertex
• Euler’s rule applies: V-E+F=2
• Surface must be closed

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 Solid Modeling (Contd..)

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 CSG v/s B-Rep
CSG
•Simple representation
•Limited to simple objects
•Stored as binary tree
•Difficult to calculate
B-Rep
•Rarely used any more
•Flexible and powerful representation
•Stored explicitly
•Can be generated from CSG representation
•Used in current CAD systems

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 Feature based Solid modeling
• The geometric entities are used to build geometric
models.
• There is no information, for example , to say that a
collection of lines and arcs, or of cylinders and cones,
represents a drilled and tapped hole.
• Only a trained person can identify such features on a
drawing easily.
• In recent times, in CAD, a method is used to represent
components in terms of higher-level entities that do
have some engineering meaning. Such entities are
known as features.

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 Definition of FEATURE
“A feature is any perceived geometric or
functional elements or property of an object
useful in understanding the function, behavior
or performance of that object”

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 Feature Based solid Modeling
• Solid Modelers include a library of
features to help the designer to create
detailed design geometry.
• The features can be positioned on a part
using variety of intelligent positioning
relationships and the size or position of a
feature can be modified by changing a
dimension.

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 Types of features
• Base features : Datum planes and
Datum objects
• Datum features : Work Planes, Work
Axes and Work points
• Sketched features
• Standard features: Hole, Round,
Chamfer, Rib, etc.,

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 Modifying Parts
• The part is created from the
history tree
• Features can be added, deleted
and re-ordered
• Feature dimensions can be
changed
• Feature parameters can be
changed
– E.g From protrusion to cutout

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 Hybrid Modeling
• A hybrid modeler supports both surface and
solid modeling. To be a true hybrid modeler,
the surfaces and solid faces must be able to
interact each other and permit constraints and
relationships between the two different entity
types.
• Ex:

Split operation
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 Thick Surface
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 Sew surface
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 Solid Modeling
• Examples:

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 Solid Modeling (Contd..)
• Examples:

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 Solid Modeling (Contd..)
• Examples:

Landing Gear
Assembly

Transmission Sys
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 Assembly Modeling

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 Assembly Modeling
• An assembly consists of two or more
parts located relative to each other in
space
• Normally the relative motion is
constrained
• Most assemblies are fully constrained
• Mechanisms are partially constrained

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 Applications of Assembly Models
• Interference checking
• Visualization
– Rendered
– Exploded
• Animation
• Mechanism analysis

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 Assembly Hierarchy
• The assembly hierarchy defines relationships of parts to
each other
• There can be multiple levels of sub-assemblies
• Example:
Multiple instances
– Pump Assembly
• Link assembly
• Offset link
– Piping assembly Sub assemblies
• Well casing
• Well seal
• …
– Handle assembly
• …
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 Positioning Parts in an Assembly
• Parts can be positioned by translating and
rotating them into the right locations
• This requires careful measurement of relative
locations, knowledge of coordinate systems,
and entry of numerical values
• If position or dimensions of one part change,
this has to be redone

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 Summary

• Solid modelling is the complete graphical representation

of any engineering component.
• Solid models can be constructed using primitive shapes
and Boolean operations.
• B-rep approach is more versatile solid modelling
approaches
• Assembly of the component\ sub systems are developed
using assembly features
• Assembled components needs to be analyzed for clash/
contact/ clearance
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