Modelling an American Chopper using Solidworks

The following components were modelled this week:

1. Chassis

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Lgnat1jRS6U39zmjmttnyBJtvdTLPJDf

First the image of the chopper was placed in the new sketch to be taken as a reference for sketching the initial parts of the chassis. Projected curves was used to create the base of the chassis. Then the backplate, Rear frame (two arms), and the rear axle was created. Then the front frame consisting of two arms were also created, with both joined at the front wheel column holder. The split bodies option is extensively used when a portion of a body is to be removed. It works by choosing a reference plane or line across which it cuts the bodies. It is useful when material is required to be removed within hollow parts of intersecting bodies. The appearance was assigned as Car Paint.

2. Engine

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1YBzdjVrsKEKIMmJTEBQtUeh8vk-O2zNN

First the image of the chopper was placed in the new sketch to be taken as a reference for sketching the initial parts of the engine. The base was first sketched and extruded. Then the pulleys for the transmission belt was made. This was followed by the construction of the sprocket in the same way as previously done in the rear wheel. Then the cylinder block along with the cooling fins and spark blug sleeve was constructed, which was then mirrored. Then the intake pipes were made from both cylinders and connected to the air filter. The exhaust pipes were made using cross section and spline as guide curve for sweep command. First the spline was created for the exhaust pipe for the forward cylinder, then the rear one. Since the curve is in 3 Dimensions for both cases, 2 curves in 2D was made and then was projected. There is a limiitation in cases where the curve exists in such a way that it is present in two or more instances along any specific direction ( Ex: The curve of the letter \'S\'. If a vertical line, which represents the direction, is drawn through the middle of it, the line intersects the curve at 3 instances).In such cases the projected curve option will not work. Hence the two 2D curves are split into parts, projected individually and then combined. The combining pf the curves is done using Composite Curve option, which can join multiple curves. Finally the cable for the spark plug is swept using a cross section and spline as guide curve.

Conclusion:

The following features were learnt this week:

Sketch: Composite Curve

Solid: Split