Application of Volumetric Modeling to Mechanical Design and Analysis

Volumetric modeling surpasses surface modeling by allowing certain types of engineering analysis to be performed automatically. In this paper, we describe methods by which a designer may interact with a data base of parts. These methods afford comprehensive view control and the ability to interrogate the geometry of the model. In addition, the user may access a built-in calculator which can be programmed by means of macroinstructions. The macroinstruction definition capability allows the user to "teach" the system parameterized sequences of commands. As a library of such sequences grows, a relatively unsophisticated user is enabled to perform automated engineering analyses using the precise geometric model of a part or assembly. This avoids the tedium and errors associated with re-entering geometric information. For many applications, the integrated nature of the system significantly reduces lead time by allowing the design cycle to be executed within one run of the program.