Concept Modeling of Car Bumper

Aim – Concept Modelling of Front and Rear Car Bumper

Objective –

Our objective here is to use the 2-D images of the car and make a 3-D surface model of the bumper, by overall experience and visualization.

Introduction –

Since we know before production there comes concept models and scale models which are used to physically visualize how the end product will look like, how it feels to touch in person, but before this all, what actually happens is, there are conceptual sketches and design that we need to make and test, for that we cannot afford the use raw materials and time, so for that reason CAD (Computer-Aided Design) were introduced, and just like CAD, we have CAID (Computer-Aided Industrial Design).

Autodesk ALIAS is a CAID software which helps in creating the Automotive Models (in form of surfaces) where engineers and designers work together to develop a conceptual design with the help of sketches (for ideation) and transfer/convert it to Software (for visualization and Rendering) which is very essential in the product development cycle.

Now, as discussed above we are going to work on conceptual Modelling of Front and Rear Bumper of ABARTH 500, We will be focusing on how to actually make a surface model by using the tools and features in software and by our visualization. For reference, refer the image -

We will try to follow as many design elements as we can to be specific to the image since it is an early stage.

Approach –

Work Process –

We are at the stage of conceptual modelling we will be using below-mentioned tools –

1. Cv Curves
2. Blends
3. Align
4. Attach/Detach
5. Trim
6. Project / Intersect Curves
7. Duplicate
8. Circle
9. Extend
10. Square
11. Rail/Bi Rail/Multi Rail
12. Skin
13. Free Form Blend
14. Surface Fillet

Now first we will start by making the base first and then we will move ahead, consider the image –

As above we will use the same curves, copy it and scale it for the third curve as you can see it in the image below –

As per the above image, we will make the curves and we will move those by using the front / top view, as these can’t be fully straight, shown –

Now to give it a bit of volume we will have to connect it with the aligned curves. Again we will prove that connecting curve s a crown (curvature).

Now that this part is over, we will make the surfaces for that we can use various features like Square Skin etc. but for ease and convince we will use Skin as it is it will not require extra curves and it will get our job done, but for the second curvature part we can use either Rail or Square, for now since we have all 4 sides already made, we have used Square path however both will work just fine –

There are various visual features with ALIAS provides various Dynamic Shades for better understanding of the flow of surfaces and reflection on the surfaces, as of now we have used “horver” it provides the best details, it gives us a clear picture of how good the surface quality is and as it can be seen from the image our surface is patched and is of good quality.

Since we have made a good quality surface, we can now move on for making next surfaces, but if it is not, then we will have to check it and make changes where ever needed. This is a good modelling practice.

Moving on to the next surface we will make the front end of the car so for that we will make a curve which aligns with the side curvature and then we will align it with the straight curve as shown in the image below because we have to make the part symmetric so we will have to do this otherwise we will face difficulty in continuity when we will mirror the entire surface.

Above shown is the tool “Align” which helps in aligning one surface/curve to other as we have done here, here we have three main options which are crucial and pay an important role in aligning the selected curve, these are CURVATURES or degree to which we want the selected surface/curve to be aligned with. Consider the images shown. For best result, here, we have used G2 Curvature.

We will be following the same steps as previously mentioned, i.e. creating the surfaces and then checking the continuity. At this point, we will utilize the layers (which are used to differentiate and separate the features used and puts the selected ones together) so that the workspace looks clean and we can get a clear vision and then we will save the file.

After that, we will follow further process according to the image.

As per images shown below, we have followed the same procedure with visualization.

We have made a surface with visualization of how the surface will come out from the side, (consider the curve shown for reference), using that curve and making a rail we have achieved the patch which is later trimmed off for HEADLIGHT, for better understanding consider the image below, showing generation curve.

Next, we have made a square patch for the middle part.

Then we have completed that portion with final patches and aligning it with the generated surface with G2 curvature as shown. We have done this on only one edge because we only need G2 Continuity on that edge another edge we need G0.

As explained G0 continuity aligns 1^st set of CV, G1 (Tangent) does 2^nd set of CV and G2 (Curvature) does it with 3^rd set of CVs  (as it can be seen from the image). So this is set on personal preference.

After everything is completed, we have made curves and trimming off the surfaces as per the image, and added fillets giving smooth and finished part.

After making front we have made rear bumper.

As per the image shown we have followed a single edge and made sub-surfaces based on the single line and followed entirely. By following the same workflow we have completed the whole volume.

Conclusion –

After performing this task, I have increased my visualization capability and saw how by using align and extend commands we can get good results.