Projection of

Solids
 What is a SOLID?
• A solid is a three-dimensional (3D) object having
length, breadth and thickness.

• It is completely bounded by a surface or

surfaces which may be curved or plane.

• Shape of the solid is described by drawing its

two orthographic views usually on the two
principal planes i.e. H.P. & V.P.
 Classification of Solids
Solids may be divided into two main groups;
A. Polyhedron
➢ It is defined as a solid bounded by planes called
faces which meet in straight lines called edges.

B. Solids of revolution:
➢ When a solid is generated by revolutions of a
plane figure about a fixed line (Axis) then such
solids are named as solids of revolution.
 Polyhedron
There are seven types Polyhedron which may
be defined as stated below:

(1) Prism
Irregular
(2) Pyramid
(3) Tetrahedron
(4) Cube or Hexahedron
Regular (5) Octahedron
(6) Dodecahedron
(7) Icosahedron
(1) Prism:
It is a polyhedron with two equal and
similar polygons, called its faces or
ends, parallel to each other and joined Faces
by other faces, which are rectangles/
parallelograms.

The imaginary line Edge

joining the Centers of the
faces or ends is called
Axis of the Prism.
Axis
According to the shape of its base, prism can be sub
classified into the following types:
(a) Triangular Prism: (b) Square Prism:

(e) Oblique Prism:

(c) Pentagonal Prism: (d) Hexagonal Prism:

(2) Pyramid:
This is a polyhedron with a plane surface as
a base and a number of triangular faces
meeting at a point called the vertex or apex.
Apex

The imaginary line

joining the Apex with Edge
the Centre of the base is
called Axis of pyramid.
Axis
Base
According to the shape of its base, pyramids can be sub-
classified into the following types:
(a) Triangular Pyramid: (b) Square Pyramid:

(c) Pentagonal Pyramid: (d) Hexagonal Pyramid:

(B) Solids of Revolution:
When a solid is generated by revolutions of a plane
figure about a fixed line (Axis), such solids are named
as solids of revolution.
Solids of revolutions may be of the following types:
(1)Cylinder
(2)Cone
(3)Sphere
(4)Ellipsoid
(5)Paraboloid
(6)Frustum
 Rectangle
Axis

Base
(1) Cylinder:
A right regular cylinder is a solid generated by the
revolution of a rectangle about its vertical side
which remains fixed.
 Right angle Generators
triangle
Axis

Base
(2) Cone:
A right circular cone is a solid generated by the
revolution of a right-angle triangle about its
vertical side which remains fixed.
Important Terms Used in Projections of Solids:
(1) Edge or Generator:
Top

For Pyramids & Prisms, edges

Rectangular
Face

are the lines separating the Longer Base

Edge
triangular faces or Edge
rectangular faces from each of
Base
other.
For Cylinder, generators are the
straight lines joining different Base
points on the circumference of
the bases with each other Generators
Important Terms Used in Projections of Solids:
(2) Apex of Solids: Apex
For Cone and Edges
Pyramids, Apex is the
point where all the PYRAMID
generators or the edges
meet. Apex

Generators

CONE
Important Terms Used in Projections of Solids:
(3) Axis of Solid:
Apex For Cone and Pyramids, Axis is
an imaginary line joining center
of the base to the Apex.
Faces
Axis

For Cylinder and Prism, Axis is

an imaginary line joining
centers of ends or faces. Axis
Important Terms Used in Projections of Solids:
(4) Right Solid:
A solid is said to be a
Right Solid if its axis is
perpendicular to its base.

Axis
Base
Important Terms Used in Projections of Solids:
(5) Oblique Solid:
A solid is said to be a
Oblique Solid if its axis is
inclined at an angle
other than 90° to its base. Axis

Base
 SOLIDS
Terms associated with different solids.
Square Prism Square Pyramid Cylinder Cone
Apex Apex
Top
Rectangular Slant
Face Edge Triangular
Longer Base Face Base Base
Base
Edge

Corner of Edge Edge Corner of

of of base Generators
base
Base Imaginary lines
Base
generating curved surface
of cylinder & cone.

Sections of solids( top & base Frustum of cone & pyramids.

not parallel) ( top & base parallel to each other)
Projections of Solids in Simple Positions:
(1) Axis Perpendicular to a Plane:
▪ When the axis is perpendicular to one reference plane, it is
parallel to the other.
▪ Also, when the axis of a solid is perpendicular to a plane, its base
will be parallel to that plane.
▪ The projection of a solid on the plane to which its axis is
perpendicular, will show the true shape and size of its base.
▪ Hence, when the axis is perpendicular to the H.P., the top view
should be drawn first and the front view projected from it.
▪ When the axis is perpendicular to the V.P., beginning should be
made with the front view. The top view should then be projected
from it.
(1a) Axis Perpendicular to HP:
Q: Draw the projections of a triangular prism, base 40 mm side and
axis 50 mm long, resting on one of its bases on the H.P. with a
vertical face perpendicular to the V.P.
Step 1
As the axis is perpendicular
to the H.P. begin with the
top view. It will be an
equilateral triangle of sides
40 mm long, with one of its
sides perpendicular to xy.

Step 2
Project the front view,
which will be a rectangle
(1b) Axis Perpendicular to VP:
Q: A hexagonal prism has one of its rectangular faces parallel to H.P.
Its axis is perpendicular to the V.P. and 3.5 cm above the ground. Draw
its projections when the nearer end is 2 cm in front of the V.P. Side of
base 2.5 cm long; axis 5 cm long.
Step 1
Begin with the front view.
Construct a regular hexagon
of 2.5 cm long sides with its
center 3.5 cm above XY and
one side parallel to it.

Step 2
Project down the top view,
keeping the line for nearer
end, viz. 1-4, 2 cm below XY.
 SOLIDS
To understand and remember various solids in this subject properly,
these are classified & arranged into two major groups.
Group A Group B
Solids having top and base of same shape Solids having a base of some shape and just
a point as a top, called apex.

Cylinder Cone

Prisms Pyramids

Triangular Square Pentagonal Hexagonal Triangular Square Pentagonal Hexagonal

Cube Tetrahedron
( A solid having ( A solid having
six square faces) Four triangular faces)
 STEPS TO SOLVE PROBLEMS IN SOLIDS
Problem is solved in three steps:
STEP 1: ASSUME SOLID STANDING ON THE PLANE WITH WHICH IT IS MAKING INCLINATION.
( IF IT IS INCLINED TO HP, ASSUME IT STANDING ON HP)
( IF IT IS INCLINED TO VP, ASSUME IT STANDING ON VP)
IF STANDING ON HP - IT’S TV WILL BE TRUE SHAPE OF IT’S BASE OR TOP:
IF STANDING ON VP - IT’S FV WILL BE TRUE SHAPE OF IT’S BASE OR TOP.
BEGIN WITH THIS VIEW:
IT’S OTHER VIEW WILL BE A RECTANGLE ( IF SOLID IS CYLINDER OR ONE OF THE PRISMS):
IT’S OTHER VIEW WILL BE A TRIANGLE ( IF SOLID IS CONE OR ONE OF THE PYRAMIDS):
DRAW FV & TV OF THAT SOLID IN STANDING POSITION:
STEP 2: CONSIDERING SOLID’S INCLINATION ( AXIS POSITION ) DRAW IT’S FV & TV.
STEP 3: IN LAST STEP, CONSIDERING REMAINING INCLINATION, DRAW IT’S FINAL FV & TV.

GENERAL PATTERN ( THREE STEPS ) OF SOLUTION:

GROUP B SOLID. GROUP A SOLID. GROUP B SOLID. GROUP A SOLID.
CONE CYLINDER CONE CYLINDER
AXIS AXIS
AXIS AXIS INCLINED HP INCLINED HP
AXIS AXIS VERTICAL INCLINED HP
VERTICAL INCLINED HP

er AXIS er AXIS
AXIS AXIS TO VP AXIS TO VP
INCLINED VP AXIS INCLINED INCLINED
INCLINED VP VP VP

Three steps Three steps Three steps Three steps

If solid is inclined to Hp If solid is inclined to Hp If solid is inclined to Vp If solid is inclined to Vp
(1c) Axis Inclined to VP:
Q: Draw the projections of a hexagonal pyramid, base 30 mm side and
axis 60 mm long, having its base on the H.P. and one of the edges of the
base inclined at 45° to the V.P.

Step 1
In the top view, draw a line af 30
mm long and inclined at 45° to xy.
Construct a regular hexagon on af.
Mark its center o and complete the
top view by drawing lines joining it
with the corners.
Step 2
Project up the front view, showing
the line o'e' and o'f for hidden
edges as dashed lines.
 Solution Steps:
Problem 1: Resting on Hp on one generator, means lying on Hp:
A cone 40 mm diameter and 50 mm axis 1.Assume it standing on Hp.
is resting on one generator on Hp 2.It’s Tv will show True Shape of base( circle )
which makes 300 inclination with Vp 3.Draw 40mm dia. Circle as Tv &
taking 50 mm axis project Fv. ( a triangle)
Draw it’s projections. 4.Name all points as shown in illustration.
5.Draw 2nd Fv in lying position I.e.o’e’ on xy. And
For dark and dotted lines
1.Draw proper outline of new view project it’s Tv below xy.
DARK. 6.Make visible lines dark and hidden dotted,
2. Decide direction of an observer. as per the procedure.
3. Select nearest point to observer 7.Then construct remaining inclination with Vp
and draw all lines starting from ( generator o1e1 300 to xy as shown) & project final Fv.
it-dark.
4. Select farthest point to observer o’
and draw all lines (remaining) a’1
from it- dotted.
h’1 b’1

g’1

f’1 c’1
X a’ h’b’ c’ g f’ d’ e’ o’
e’1 d’1 Y o1
30
’
g g1
g1 o1
h f f1 h1 h1
f1 a1
a e e1 a1 o1
e1 b1

b d d1 b1
d1
c c1 c1
 Solution Steps :
Problem 2. A square pyramid, 40 Triangular face on Hp , means it is lying on Hp:
mm base sides and axis 60 mm long, 1.Assume it standing on Hp.
2.It’s Tv will show True Shape of base( square)
has a triangular face on the ground 3.Draw square of 40mm sides with one side vertical Tv &
and the vertical plane containing the taking 50 mm axis project Fv. ( a triangle)
axis makes an angle of 450 with the 4.Name all points as shown in illustration.
5.Draw 2nd Fv in lying position I.e.o’c’d’ face on xy. And project it’s Tv.
VP. Draw its projections. Take apex 6.Make visible lines dark and hidden dotted, as per the procedure.
nearer to VP 7.Then construct remaining inclination with Vp
( Vp containing axis ic the center line of 2nd Tv.Make it 450 to xy as
shown take apex near to xy, as it is nearer to Vp) & project final Fv.

o’
a’1 b’1

Y
X a’b’ c’d’ d’1 c’1 o’1

a1
a d d1 a1

o1
o
b c c1 b1 (APEX
NEARER (APEX
TO V.P). AWAY
For dark and dotted lines FROM V.P.)
1.Draw proper outline of new view DARK. 2. Decide direction of an observer.
3. Select nearest point to observer and draw all lines starting from it-dark.
4. Select farthest point to observer and draw all lines (remaining)from it- dotted.
Problem 3: A right circular cone, This case resembles to problem no.7 & 9 from projections of planes topic.
40 mm base diameter and 60 mm In previous all cases 2nd inclination was done by a parameter not showing TL.Like
long axis is resting on Hp on one Tv of axis is inclined to Vp etc. But here it is clearly said that the axis is 400 inclined
point of base circle such that it’s to Vp. Means here TL inclination is expected. So the same construction done in those
axis makes 450 inclination with Problems is done here also. See carefully the final Tv and inclination taken there.
Hp and 400 inclination with Vp. So assuming it standing on HP begin as usual.
Draw it’s projections.

o’ o’1

a’1
h’1 b’1

g’1 c’1

450 f’1 d’1

X a’ h’b’ c’ g’ f’ d’ e’
e’1
y
Axis True Length
g g1 400
h f h1 f1
Axis Tv Length
a e a1 1 e1
o1
Locus of
Center 1
b1 d1 1
b d
c c1
Axis Tv Length
 Solution Steps:
Problem 3: Resting on Vp on one point of base, means inclined to Vp:
A cylinder 40 mm diameter and 50 mm 1.Assume it standing on Vp
2.It’s Fv will show True Shape of base & top( circle )
axis is resting on one point of a base 3.Draw 40mm dia. Circle as Fv & taking 50 mm axis project Tv.
circle on V.P. while it’s axis makes 450 ( a Rectangle)
with V.P. and FV of the axis 350 with 4.Name all points as shown in illustration.
5.Draw 2nd Tv making axis 450 to xy And project it’s Fv above xy.
H.P. Draw projections.. 6.Make visible lines dark and hidden dotted, as per the procedure.
7.Then construct remaining inclination with Hp
( Fv of axis I.e. center line of view to xy as shown) & project final Tv.

4’d’ d’ 4’

3’
1’ a’ c’ a’ c’ 3’
1’

2’ b’ b’ 2’
X 350
Y
a bd c 450 c1
d1
b1

a1
3

4
2
1 24 3
1
 Solution Steps :
1.Assume it standing on Hp but as said on apex.( inverted ).
2.It’s Tv will show True Shape of base( square)
Problem 4:A square pyramid 30 mm base side
3.Draw a corner case square of 30 mm sides as Tv(as shown)
and 50 mm long axis is resting on it’s apex on Hp,
Showing all slant edges dotted, as those will not be visible from top.
such that it’s one slant edge is vertical and a 4.taking 50 mm axis project Fv. ( a triangle)
triangular face through it is perpendicular to Vp. 5.Name all points as shown in illustration.
Draw it’s projections. 6.Draw 2nd Fv keeping o’a’ slant edge vertical & project it’s Tv
7.Make visible lines dark and hidden dotted, as per the procedure.
8.Then redrew 2nd Tv as final Tv keeping a1o1d1 triangular face
perpendicular to Vp I.e.xy. Then as usual project final Fv.

a’ b’d’ c’ a’1
d’1 b’1
c’1

X o’ o’1 Y
d d1

a bo c ao1 b1 c1
1
 Solution Steps:
Problem 5: A cube of 50 mm long 1.Assuming standing on Hp, begin with Tv,a square with all sides
edges is so placed on Hp on one equally inclined to xy.Project Fv and name all points of FV & TV.
corner that a body diagonal is 2.Draw a body-diagonal joining c’ with 3’( This can become // to xy)
parallel to Hp and perpendicular to 3.From 1’ drop a perpendicular on this and name it p’
Vp Draw it’s projections. 4.Draw 2nd Fv in which 1’-p’ line is vertical means c’-3’ diagonal
must be horizontal. .Now as usual project Tv..
6.In final Tv draw same diagonal is perpendicular to Vp as said in problem.
Then as usual project final FV.
a’1

d’1
b’1
a’ b’d’ c’
3’
c’1

3’ 1’ 1’ 1’
X d
Y
d1

a c a1 c1

b b1
Problem 6:A tetrahedron of 50 mm Solution Steps
long edges is resting on one edge on As it is resting assume it standing on Hp.
Hp while one triangular face containing Begin with Tv , an equilateral triangle as side case as shown:
this edge is vertical and 450 inclined to First project base points of Fv on xy, name those & axis line.
Vp. Draw projections. From a’ with TL of edge, 50 mm, cut on axis line & mark o’
(as axis is not known, o’ is finalized by slant edge length)
IMPORTANT: Then complete Fv.
Tetrahedron is a In 2nd Fv make face o’b’c’ vertical as said in problem.
special type And like all previous problems solve completely.
of triangular
pyramid in which
base sides & o’1
slant edges are o’
equal in length. TL
Solid of four faces. a’1
Like cube it is also 900
described by One X a’ b’ b’1
c’ c’1 Y
dimension only.. 450
Axis length c c1
generally not given.
a o a1 o1

b b1
Q7: A hexagonal pyramid base 25 mm side and axis 55 mm long has one of its slant edge on
the ground. A plane containing that edge and the axis is perpendicular to the H.P. and
inclined at 45º to the V.P. Draw its projections when the apex is nearer to the V.P. than the
base.
The
Theinclination of the axis
vertical plane is given the
containing indirectly
slant in this problem.
edge on the HPWhen
andthe
theslant
axisedge of a pyramid
is seen in the TVrests
on
asthe
o1dHP its axis is inclined with the HP so while deciding first view the axis of the solid must be
1 for drawing auxiliary FV draw an auxiliary plane X1Y1 at 45º from d1o1
kept perpendicular to HP i.e. true shape of the base will be seen in the TV. Secondly when drawing
extended. Then draw projectors from each point i.e. a1 to f1 perpendicular to X1Y1 and
hexagon in the TV we have to keep the corners at the extreme ends.
mark the points measuring their distances in the FV from old XY line.
o’
f1’
a’
a1’
e1’
b’ X1
f’ b1’

c1’
c’ d1’
e’

b’ c’ d’ o’
X a’ f’ e’ d’ Y
f1 o1’
e1
f e

a
d d1 a1
o 45º Y1
o1

b c c1 b1