Solid modelling

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Solid modeling studies unambiguous representations, models of solid objects suitable for computer processing. It is also known as volume modeling.

Primary uses of solid modeling are for design engineering (CAD), computer graphics and animation, medical testing, and visualization of scientific research.

Table of contents

1 Basic Concepts
2 Solid modeling CAD
3 Medical solid modeling
4 Related articles
5 External links

5.1 Some commercial Solid Modelers

Basic Concepts

Parameterized primitive instancing.
- An object is specified by the reference to the library of parameterized primitives (e.g., library of nuts and bolts).
Sweeping
- An object is specified in terms of volumes "swept out" by moving of a primitive along a simple curve. These volumes either add to the object ("extrusion") or remove material ("cutter path").
Spatial occupancy
- The whole space is subdivided into regular cells, and the object is specified by the set of cells it occupies.
Decomposition
- Similar to "spatial occupancy", but the cells are neither regular, nor "prefabricated".
Constructive solid geometry.
Boundary representation
- A solid object is represented by surfaces of its boundary.

Solid modeling CAD

Sketcher based solid modelers are the work horse of mechanical design engineers. Implementation of solid modeling has become commonplace in engineering departments in the last five years due to increased performance of pc's and competitive pricing of the software.

Solid Modeling software packages do the following (at a minimum);

model solid parts
model assemblies of parts
maintain libraries of parts and assemblies
calculate mass properties of parts and assemblies
reflect the 'bill of material' required to build the product
create dimensioned drawings from the solid models
aid visualization with shading, rotating, hidden line removal, etc...

Most modern software packages also have additional capabilities;

Bi-directional parametric associatively (modification of any feature is reflected in all information relying on that feature; drawings, mass properties, assemblies, etc... and contra wise)
kinematic, interference and clearance checking of assemblies
specialized add-in modules (FEA, sheet metal, surfacing, hose/cable routing, electrical component packging...)
management of controlled documents and revision levels
inclusion of programming code in a model to control and relate desired attributes of the model
automated programming of CNC machines
Photo realistic rendering
Import/Export routines to exchange data with other software packages

Medical solid modeling

Modern computed axial tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scanners can construct solid models of interior body features.

Uses of medical solid modeling

Visualization
Visualization of specific body tissues (just blood vessles and tumor, for example)
Creating solid model data for rapid prototyping (to aid surgeons preparing for difficult surgeries, for example)
Combining medical solid models with CAD solid modeling (design of individually tailored hip replacement parts, for example)