AMERICAN CHOPPER- Modeling and Rendering in SOLIDWORKS

AMERICAN CHOPPER- Modeling and Rendering in SOLIDWORKS

Introduction

Product development is a very complex process because modern products are more elaborate since there is a demand of maximum efficiency with minimal consumption of certain means. The development in the automotive industry follows this trend. The use of various modern software such as CAD and CAE technologies, enables us to perform various researches very effectively and efficiently, and it is possible to test different modifications in order to improve the characteristics and develop them. The benefits of these systems are that they enable faster and cheaper research and development of vehicle.

Through this project I got familiarize with one of the CAD software called Solidworks, through modelling an American chopper. A chopper is a type of custom motorcycle. The chopper is perhaps the most extreme of all custom styles, often using radically modified steering angles and lengthened forks for a stretched-out appearance. Here we go through different stages like part modeling, assembly and do a photo realistic rendering of an American Chopper.

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Objective

Get familiarize with solidworks

• Model the different parts of an American Chopper.
• Create an assembly from the part models.
• Perform a photo realistic rendering of the Chopper.

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Explanation for Parts

Part Modeling: In order to model a part, we use different sketch tools and features. In solidworks it provides a wide range of tools and features for modelling parts. Some of the sketch tools and features we used in this project are described below.

• Sketch tools: There are different sketch tools like line, arc, circle, rectangle, spline, polygon etc.
• Sketch entities: There are different sketch entities like trim, convert, offset, move, mirror, linear pattern etc. They help to modify or draw sketches in a quick and accurate manner.
• Features: The features in solidwors help as to create 3d models from 2d sketches and to modify them. Some of the common features used in solidworks are extrude boss/base, lofted boss/base, extrude cut, revolve cut, fillet, chamfer, linear pattern, circular pattern, dome, rib, shell, split, mirror etc. And there are several surface features like extruded surface, revolved surfaces, boundary surface, swept surface, filled surface, knit surface etc.

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Parts modelled for the Chopper

1. Transmission belt

Transmission belt is a mechanical element used for power transmission. They are loops of flexible materials used to mechanically connect the rotating shafts.

2. Kick stand

Kick stand or side stand helps to balance or support the weight of the vehicle when it is in a stationary position. It is always mounted to the chassis by a hinge joint.

3. Front Fender

Front fender prevents the splashing of mud from the front wheel while running. It is mounted to the front fork.

4. Rear Fender

It prevents the splashing of mud and other particles from the rear wheel and it is mounted above the rear wheel.

5. Chain

Chain transfer power from the end of the transmission in engine to the rear wheel.

6. Oil Tank

Oil tank is used to store the lubrication oil which is fed along with the fuel for the smooth functioning of engine.

7. Pedal

Pedal is a moveable mechanical link mounted to the chassis which aid in shifting gears.

8. Front Wheel

Wheels are the parts in contact with the ground when the vehicle is running. They are mounted to the axles which allows the rotational motion of the wheels.

9. Rear Wheel

Rear wheel is the end of the power transmission in the chopper. It is mounted to the rear axle.

10. Front Fork

It is the front end of the bike that hold the front wheel, front suspension, steering handle etc.

11. Chassis

Chassis is the frame work or the Skelton of a vehicle. It is the base structure that hold all other components of the bike like seat, fuel tank, engine, wheels, fork etc.

12. Engine

Engine is the prime mover of the chopper. The combustion energy of the fuel is used to reciprocate the piston inside the cylinder, this reciprocating motion is converted to rotational motion with the help of crank and the connecting rod.

13. Gas Tank

The gas tank is a safe container to store the fuel.

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Assembly

In assembly we inserted the chassis and fixed it with proper alignment. Then inserted all other parts of the chopper and defined its location by applying proper mates. It is the mate feature that help to limit the unwanted degree of freedoms. There are different mate options like coincident, parallel, tangent, concentric etc. and different advanced mate options like width, path mate, profile center etc.

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Render

Rendering using PhotoView 360

For better realistic image we apply appearance, set proper environment and cameras, and apply decals.

• Front view

• Side view

• Top view

• Isometric view

• Camera view

Rendering using Solidworks Visualize

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Results

• Modelled different parts of the chopper using solidworks.
• Assembled the part models by applying proper mates.
• Applied the appearance, decals, lighting, cameras, environments.
• Rendered the model in different views.