MA4831 Computer-aided Engineering

Semester 2, AY 2017/2018
Self-Assessment Questions Week 6

This exercise is on 3D modelling for CAD.

1. Discuss the merits of the three types of 3D models: wireframe models, surface models
and solid models, with reference to their ability to support different applications.

2. Discuss what is the “one model concept”? Discuss whether it is important.

3. How do the two solid modelling schemes, constructive solid geometry and boundary
representation ensure that their models are true solids?

4. Illustrate pictorially (a) a boundary representation and (b) a CSG representation for
the object below:

Figure 1: A solid object. All curves are circular.

5. Trace through the point membership classification algorithm to determine the

positions of points P and Q with respect to the CSG object depicted in Figure 2. The
Boolean expression for the object is (A U B - C) U D.

A B

D
C
Q
P

Figure 2: a CSG object in 2D

6. Explain the working principles of feature-based and constraint-based modelling. Why

do CAD systems today choose to use these two technologies?

7. In SolidWorks and other CAD systems today, assembly of solid components can be
done conveniently by constraining faces to mate or axes to align. How are these
performed mathematically? You need to relate this back to the rigid motions and
transformations that were covered earlier. First you need to define what mathematical
entities must exist with the components.