Solid modeling

Jack-in-cube solid model, light background

Regularize1

Cobalt Properties window

Solid modeling is a consistent set of principles for mathematical and computer modeling of three-dimensional solids. Solid modeling is distinguished from related areas of geometric modeling and computer graphics by its emphasis on physical fidelity. Together, the principles of solid modeling form the foundation of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE).

History

The development of solid modeling began in the 1960s and 1970s with the advent of computer graphics and the need for more accurate representations of physical objects. Early systems were based on wireframe modeling, which represented objects as a collection of lines and curves. However, wireframe models were ambiguous and could not represent the interior of objects. This led to the development of surface modeling, which represented objects as a collection of surfaces. While surface models were more accurate, they still could not represent the interior of objects.

The breakthrough came with the development of boundary representation (B-rep) and constructive solid geometry (CSG) techniques. B-rep represents objects as a collection of surfaces that define the boundary of the object, while CSG represents objects as a combination of primitive solids using Boolean operations.

Techniques

Solid modeling techniques can be broadly classified into two categories: boundary representation (B-rep) and constructive solid geometry (CSG).

Boundary Representation (B-rep)

B-rep represents a solid as a collection of surfaces that define its boundary. These surfaces are typically represented as NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) or polygonal meshes. B-rep is widely used in CAD systems because it provides a precise and flexible way to represent complex shapes.

Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG)

CSG represents a solid as a combination of primitive solids (such as cubes, spheres, and cylinders) using Boolean operations (union, intersection, and difference). CSG is particularly useful for representing objects that can be easily decomposed into simpler shapes.

Applications

Solid modeling is used in a wide range of applications, including:

• Computer-aided design (CAD)
• Computer-aided engineering (CAE)
• Finite element analysis (FEA)
• Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
• 3D printing
• Virtual reality

Software

Several software packages are available for solid modeling, including:

• AutoCAD
• SolidWorks
• CATIA
• PTC Creo
• Siemens NX
• Blender

Related Pages

• Geometric modeling
• Computer graphics
• Computer-aided design
• Computer-aided engineering
• Finite element analysis
• 3D printing
• Virtual reality
• AutoCAD
• SolidWorks
• CATIA
• PTC Creo
• Siemens NX
• Blender