The Introduction
Geometric Modeling
Geometric modeling system can be categorized into two types
• Two-dimensional
• Used in many low-end drafting packages.
• Utility is limited due to inherent difficulty in representing
complex objects.
• Three-dimensional
• The line model (Wireframe modelling)
• The surface model
• The solid modelling
Geometric Modeling
Geometric Modeling
Wireframe modelling
A wire-frame model is a visual presentation of a 3-
dimensional (3D) or physical object used in 3D computer
graphics. It is created by specifying each edge of the
physical object where two mathematically continuous
smooth surfaces meet, or by connecting an object's
constituent vertices using straight lines or curves.
Geometric Modeling
Wireframe modelling
• Simplest of all other models
• Used in low costing designing systems
• Can be ambiguous and difficult to understand
Geometric Modeling
Surface modelling
•Surface modeling is a mathematical method usually provided in
computer-aided design applications for displaying solid-appearing
objects.
•Surface modeling makes it possible for users to look at the specific
object at specific angles with solid surfaces.
•Surface modeling is a popular technique for architectural designs and
renderings.
•Surface modeling has wide range of applications such as in consumer
products, marine vehicles, body panels of automobiles and aircraft
structures.
Geometric Modeling
Surface modelling
• Complex object can be made
• Capable of clearly representing the solid from the manufacturing
point of view.
• No info regarding interiors is available.
• Calculations of properties such as mass, inertia etc. is difficult.
• Generating solids is extremely tedious.
Geometric Modeling
Solid modelling
A mathematical technique for representing solid objects. Unlike
wireframe and surface modeling, solid modeling systems ensure that
all surfaces meet properly and that the object is geometrically correct.
Geometric Modeling
Why Solid Modelling
It overcomes weakness of wireframe and surface modelling
• Ambiguous geometric representation
• Lack of geometric information
• Lack of topological information
• Tedious modelling process
Geometric Modeling
Advantages of Solid Modelling
• Unlike wireframe and surface modelling which contains only
geometric data, solid modelling uses both geometric and topological
information.
• Results in accurate design.
• Analysis, automation and integration is possible in solid modelling.
Properties of Solid Modelling
• Rigidity: Shape of the solid is invariant with regards to location or
orientation.
• Homogeneous 3-dimensionality: The solid boundaries must be in
contact with the interior. No isolated and dangling edges are
permitted.
Reasons to study Mathematical Basis of Geometrical modeling:
➢ It provides good understanding of terminology encountered
in the field of CAD.
➢ It enables the user to decide which entity to use in a
particular model.
To create the solid model basic entities required are
Point
Lines
Circles
Ellipses
Arcs
Splines & Curves
Curve Representation
Requires simple
geometric entities
(Lines & circles)
Requires other general curves to
meet various shape constraints
(continuity & curvature)
Curve Representation
Arrays of Mathematical
Coordinate Data Equations
Provide designer with information
Impractical
such as the effect of data points on
curve behavior, control, continuity
and curvature.
Storage requirements
is very large
Cumbersome
Computation
Exact shape of
curve is not known
Redesigning is
Difficult
Curve Representation
Mathematical
Equations
The curves which are
Analytic
fixed and defined by the
Equations
particular equation.
The curves which are
Synthetic
controlled by some data
Equations
points.
Curve Representation
Non parametric Parametric
Equations Equations
Need to find the roots of equations to find the Uses Polynomials rather than equations
values of points. involving roots.
If the slope of curve at a point is vertical or near
Instead of slope it uses tangent vectors.
vertical, its value becomes infinity or very large.
Shape of most engineering objects are intrinsically More general in form and well suited for
independent of any coordinate system. computation and display.
If the curve is to be displayed as a series of points or
straight line segments, the computations involved could
be expensive.
Curve Representation
Parametric
Representation
Coordinate Systems
Model Coordinate Systems (MCS)
World Coordinate Systems (WCS)
Screen Coordinate Systems (SCS)
Model Coordinate Systems (MCS)
MCS is defined as the reference space of the model with respect to which all the model
geometrical data is stored. It is a cartesian system which form the default coordinate system
used by a particular software program.
Only CS that the software recognizes when
storing and retrieving geometrical information
in or from model database.
Working Coordinate Systems (WCS)
WCS is useful when a desired plane of construction is not easily defined as one off the MCS
orthogonal plane. WSC is a convenient user defined system that facilitates geometric
construction.
Screen Coordinate Systems (SCS)
SCS is defined as a 2D device-dependent coordinate system whose origin is usually located at
the lower left corner of the graphics display. The physical dimensions of a device screen
(aspect ratio) and the type of device (raster) determine the range of the SCS.
