3D solid modeling is a growing area of CAD , transforming the way industry uses computers in design process.

A 3D computer model is more realistic and reveals more information. 3D CAD is used to produce 3D computer models so we call 3D CAD a computer modeling tool.

Model Definition
A solid models bears a lot of information. In the case of solid model the surface of model represents the boundary between exterior and interior of the model. Solid modelers normally define manifold models only which separates a region into exterior and interior.

Primitive modeling
Many objects can be described mathematically using basic geometric forms. Although most geometric primitives have unique topologies but differ only in their geometry. A primitive modeler uses only a limited numbers of geometric primitives to form new topologies this is called primitive instancing. Complex topologies can only be formed by combining different primitives.

Constructive Solid Geometry Modeling

CSG modeling is a powerful technique that provides more flexibility than primitive modeling. CSG modeling uses Boolean expressions to define relationships between the primitives. There ( ( are three types of Boolean expressions : Union (

Boundary Representation Modeling

In B-rep modeling the surfaces or the faces are the basis for defining the solid. A B-rep face represents an oriented surface. There are two sides to this surface one is the solid side and the other is the void side. B-rep modelers have the ability of containing both linear and curved edges. The shape of B-rep model is formed by using Euler operations.

Constraint Based Modeling

The process of designing a computer model was thought to be much more irrational than designing a real world object , this thought was eliminated when parametric technologies corporation released Pro/Engineer. Among the key innovations which Pro/engineer have brought to 3D solid modeling is the idea of having the model defined as a modifiable features. The geometry of each of these features is controlled through modifiable constraints.

(1) Planning A critical part of Constraint Based modeling is the planning which is done before the building of model. Careful planning is done so that it is easy to modify the model on later stages if need. (2) Sources of data Another important part of Constraint based modeling is the reuse of existing model and information if available and utilizing it to form the new model. (3) Eventual model use Another critical part of the Constraint based modeling is the process of understanding how the model data is going to be used once it is created. (4) Modeling standards In constraint based modeling certain standards need to be followed. Standard for modeling may include type of geometry , order of features , order of linking , and how the model is to be documented.

Feature analysis
Capturing design intent in a model is a process of defining features and the relation of features within a model. The goal is to make sure that the information extracted from the model for use in other parts of the product development accurately reflects the original purpose of the designers and engineers who designed the product. An important of feature analysis is to define the geometry of the model. The decision of the type of geometry is largly based on our needs and requirements.

Feature definition
Defining feature in a model begins with understanding how your modeler allows you to create and edit geometry. (1) Features from generalized sweeps Many features in a model can be made through the use of sweeping operations. In a sweeping operation a closed polygon is used which is called a profile, is drawn on a plane and is moved or

swept along a defined path for a defined length. Each swept profile can be visualized as a solid object. Each successive feature after this will modify the existing geometry.

(2) Construction geometry In defining the location of geometry world coordinate system is used. A work plane is the most common type of construction geometry used to support the creation of part geometry relative to the world coordinate system. Construction geometry does not represent the final geometry but instead provides a framework for guiding the construction of geometry. (3) Sketching the profile Many features on a part model begin as a profile sketch on a work plane. Once a work plane is chosen view of the work plane has to be selected. There are two types of views to select from one is pictorial view and the other is normal view. After the selection of view a profile sketch can be drawn on the work plane. (4) Constraining the profile As sketching defines the topology of the profile , Constraining defines the geometry of the profile therefore it is an important part of profile sketching. The types of constraints can be divided into two types Explicit and Implicit. When a system applies implicit constraints it will be determined in part by a predefined tolerance. On the other hand implicit constraints are applied by the user to the profile sketch. There are three types of constrained profiles : fully constrained , under constrained or over constrained profile. (5) Completing the feature definition After the profile is drawn it has to be sweep out to form a 3D form in space. Following are the types of sweep : linear sweep , circular sweep , path based sweep , blind sweep , through all sweep , through next sweep , to next sweep. (6) Feature planning strategies When we talk about the feature planning strategies one of the most important considerations is whether the profile contains the lines of symmetry or not. This consideration not only assist in the construction of the base feature , but also it will allow the mirror commands to be used for duplication. For good modeling practice certain type of features has to be avoided in order to preserve the integrity of the model geometry.

Editing part features

The success of the editing of the features depend on the way initial features were planned. (1) Understanding feature order Features as they are created are placed at the bottom of the feature tree. If a new feature is created then it is place in the feature tree in the correct order. Closely related to this idea is the idea of parent-child relationship between the features. As in a real parent-child relationship the child feature depends on its parent feature. Deleting the parent feature may result in the loss of child feature. Change in the geometry of the parent feature may change the geometry of child feature. (2) Editing feature properties Within the sketch profile elements of profile can be changed. Normally the elements which are required to be changed are the constraints. Dimensional constraints are the easiest to change but geometric constraints can also be changed. Other parameters that can be changed include type of sweep path and distance of the sweep.

Duplicating Part Features

The ability to duplicate geometric elements is a powerful ability of all the CAD programs. Constraint based modelers normally allow the user to duplicate at the level of features. Copying process is automated to some degree. A common tool for copying process is Array option. Following are the types of array options: linear array and radial array.

Viewing the part model

The techniques to view a 3D model are based on the projection theory. The primary elements in creating a projection are the model , the viewer , and the projection plane. (1) View camera option The view camera is used to describe the viewing process with respect to 3Dmodels in various CAD systems. For each view there is a camera and an image plane on to which the model is projected. (2) View camera strategy

The orientation of the view camera with respect to the world coordinate system can vary considerably during the process of modeling. Viewpoints should be chosen on the basis of the task to be performed.

Application of Part Model Data

The part model , and its associated features is a primary module if the product information that can be shared with other applications. These applications may be other modules of the 3D modeling system . another modeling system .or other related technology. The part model should be thought of as part of a larger product database being managed and updated.

(1) Model data associativity Model data associativity is the process of associating the existing information with the updated information. There are two types of associativities : unidirectional associativity and bi directional associativity. (2) Documentation If the 3D modeling system also has a 2D drafting module then links can be set up between the model and the views represented in the production drawing. As in 2D CAD the starting point for creating documentation in a 3d modeling system is to establish paper size and to apply both a standard or custom title block and border. Modelers who know that documentation will be required can try to constrain the model in ways that will also meet documentation standards. (3) Assembly modeling Constructing an assembly begins with bringing in a base component. Each successive component brought in needs to be oriented and located relative to other components in the assembly. Location and orientation is achieved by defining geometric relations between geometric elements of a component in the assembly and the elements of components being brought in. Geometric elements are mainly defined by two basic tools : Mate and Allign

Analysis
Selecting the right analysis method is as important as determining when or how often evaluations should be done . The speed of analysis depends on the scope of the analysis and the type of analysis performed. Decisions need to be made as to what parts in an assembly and what regions of a part need to be analyzed.

(1) Visual inspection Visual inspection is an evaluation technique that is quick and easy. The visual inspection may involve making sure all the necessary parts are in assembly model. (2) Prototyping Prototyping technique allow physical models to be made directly from a 3D database. This technique can be used for high precision manufacturing. In some cases where prototypes can not be created the system of virtual reality is used which uses the concept of precision to generate realistic environments.

(3) Kinematics Kinematics is an analysis used to calculate the design of a mechanism that is an assembly of multiple parts. The mechanism contains two components : the part models themselves and the joints. (4) Mass properties analysis Mass properties analysis is used to obtain additional information With those 3D modeling systems capable of calculating the volume of a solid, density values can be added to calculate the overall mass of the solid , in addition to that the centers of gravity and the initial properties can also be calculated. (5) Finite element analysis The process of creating a model of primitive geometries is called finite element modeling and the analysis done on it is called finite element analysis. (6) Ergonomics Ergonomics examines the interaction between technology and humans. (7) Computer aided manufacturing Three dimensional modeling techniques can be combined with computer aided manufacturing capabilities to ensure that a product design satisfies the desired manufacturability requirements as closely as possible.