Modelling and Assembly OF Predator Yacht using SolidWorks

MODELLING AND ASSEMBLY OF PREDATOR YACHT USING SOLIDWORKS

OBJECTIVE:

1. To model individual parts of the Predator Yacht using Solidworks.
2. To assemble all the parts with proper mates.
3. To give proper appearances and decals for the parts.
4. To position the assembly and set up cameras, lights, and environments.
5. To create photorealistic renders using Solidworks Visualize.

INTRODUCTION:

Solidworks is a 3D CAD and CAE software developed by Dassault Systèmes. It provides dedicated tools and workflows that streamline the design and development of products. It is used for sketching, part modeling, sheet metal design, simulation, mold design, and other computer-aided manufacturing processes.

Solidworks Visualize is a software used to create photorealistic or non-photorealistic renders. It is also used for post-processing images and even creating basic presentation animations.

Sunseeker Predator 108 Yacht is a motor yacht built by the British luxury motor yacht brand, Sunseeker International. It is a 2005 model from the Predator range of yachts produced by the company. It gained popularity from its appearance in one of the James Bond films Casino Royale.

DESIGN METHODOLOGY:

Here the yacht is assembled by following the Bottom-up Approach  In this approach all the parts are modelled in individual part files and assembled together in a common assembly file. This method is generally used for off-the-shelf components which can be readily assembled in an assembly line. This approach makes it easy to configure individual components for different specifications.

The process can be explained with the help of the following flowchart:

Fig. Flowchart of the Design Process for Predator Yacht

DESCRIPTION:

Setting up the Blueprint:

Prior to modelling individual components, a Blueprints file is created using the design sketches. This can be used as a reference for modelling most of the components.

Sketch tools and Features used in Blueprint setup:

• Sketch
• Sketch Picture

Sketch: It is a two-dimensional representation of the body in a plane. It needs to be completely defined with proper geometric relations and dimensions.

Sketch Picture: It inserts an image file on a selected plane to be used as a reference to model components.

Fig. Isometric View of Blueprint Setup for Predator Yacht

The Predator Yacht model constitutes the following parts:

1. Radar
2. Propeller
3. Hull
4. Front Seat
5. Middle Seat
6. Rear Seat
7. Superstructure
8. Radarmast
9. Garage Door

The parts are modelled individually in designated part files and saved in a dedicated folder for better organisation.

1. Radar:
The Radar is used for communication as well as navigation.

Sketch tools and Features used in modelling radar:

• Sketch
• Line
• Offset
• Circle
• Polygon
• Point
• Text
• Smart Dimension
• Extruded-Boss/Base
• Fillet
• Extruded-cut
• Sketch Pattern
• Mirror
• Split line

Line: This tool is used to create a straight line with a defined position and length.

Offset: It is used to copy the sketch entities with the same shape and proportional dimension at a distance.

Circle: This tool is used to create a circle with a defined center and a diameter. 

Polygon: It is used to create a polygon with specified number of sides and width.

Point: It is used to create a point on the sketch.

Text: It is used to add text in the sketch.

Smart Dimension: It is used to provide proper dimensions to a sketch feature and automatically provides the relevant dimension for a particular selection. 

Extruded Boss/Base: It creates a solid body by giving thickness to the selected sketch contours.

Fillet: It creates a circular feature to the selected edges or faces in a solid body. This is often used to round off sharp edges in a model.

Extruded Cut: It removes material from a solid body with the help of sketched contours.

Sketch Pattern: It is used to replicate a feature with a selected sketch as a reference.

Mirror: It creates an exact copy of a feature about a selected plane or face.

Split line: It projects entities on to surfaces or curved faces and divides the targeted features. 

Fig. Isometric View of Radar.

2. Propeller:
Propeller moves the Yacht forward.
Sketch tools and Features used in modelling Propeller: 

• Sketch
• Line
• Spline
• 3-point Corner Rectangle
• Circle
• Centerline
• Smart Dimension
• Revolved Boss/Base
• Lofted Boss/Base
• Extruded Cut
• Circular Pattern
• Fillet
• Reference Geometry

Spline: It is used to create a curve with defined endpoints. The curvature can be altered by enabling the curve handlers which can be given a defined direction and strength.

Centerline: This tool is used to create a straight line for construction with a defined position and length. 

3-point Corner Rectangle: It creates a rectangle with three of its vertices specified in the sketch.

Revolved Boss/Base: It creates a solid body by giving thickness to the selected sketch contours about an axis of revolution.

Lofted Boss/Base: It is used to create a solid body with the help of at least two sketches as the transition faces and at least one sketch as a guide curve.

Circular Pattern: It is used to duplicate features or bodies about a specified point or axis with defined distance and number of instances.

Reference Geometry: It creates reference entities such as a point or an axis or a plane or even a coordinate system. 

Fig. Isometric View of Propeller.

3. Hull:
The Hull is the main body of the yacht.

Sketch tools and Features used in modelling Hull: 

• Sketch
• Line
• Spline
• Convert Entities
• Centerline
• Offset Entities
• Trim
• Slot
• Circle
• 3-point Center Rectangle
• Corner Rectangle
• Ellipse
• Smart Dimension
• Projected Curve
• Lofted Surface
• Trim Surface
• Extruded Surface
• Knit Surface
• Shell
• Boss Extrude
• Cut Extrude
• Fillet
• Chamfer
• Reference Geometry
• Swept Boss/Base
• Revolved Boss/Base
• Dome
• Helix/Spiral
• Linear Pattern
• Delete Face
• Delete Body
• 3D Sketch
• Mirror
• Split Line
• Offset Surface

Convert Entities: This tool is used to convert entities from other features into the sketch.

Trim: This tool is used to remove sketch entities with respect to certain references.

Slot: It is used to create a slot with specified length and diameter.

3-point Center Rectangle: It is used to create a rectangle with its center defined first and then two of its vertices specified.

Corner Rectangle: It is used to create a rectangle with its two diagonal vertices specified.

Ellipse: It is used to create an ellipse with a defined focal length and radius of curvature.

Projected Curve: It creates a 3D curve that represents the intersection of the two extruded surfaces generated by creating sketches on two intersecting planes. 

Lofted Surface: It creates a surface which transitions between two or more profiles or sketches. 

Trim Surface: It removes the selected surface about an intersection. 

Extruded Surface: It creates a surface with the selected contours of a sketch. 

Knit Surface: It combines two or more adjacent and non-intersecting surfaces into a single surface body. 

Shell: It creates a hollow feature from a solid body with a specified thickness. 

Chamfer: It is used to remove and flatten sharp edges on a solid body. 

Swept Boss/Base: It creates a solid body by moving a profile along a defined path. 

Dome: It is used to create a curvature about an end face. 

Linear Pattern: It creates duplicates of a feature or a body in a specified linear direction. 

Delete Face: It is used to delete selected faces of a feature. 

Delete Body: It is used to delete selected bodies from the file.

3D Sketch: It is used to create sketches in three dimensions rather than a planar face or plane.

Offset Surface: It creates a surface at a specified distance for a selected planar face or surface. 

Fig. Isometric View of Hull.

4. Front Seat:
Sketch tools and Features used in modelling front seat:

• Sketch
• Spline
• Line
• Centerline
• Offset Entities
• Trim
• Smart Dimension
• Reference Geometry
• Swept Surface
• Extruded Surface
• Filled Surface
• Trim Surface
• Lofted Surface
• Knit Surface
• Chamfer
• Revolved Boss/Base
• Extruded Cut
• Fillet
• Mirror
• Dome

Swept Surface: It creates a closed profile along a defined path to create a surface feature.

Fig. Isometric View of Front Seat.

5. Middle Seat:

Sketch tools and Features used in modelling Middle Seat:

• Sketch
• Line
• Offset Entities
• Trim
• Corner Rectangle
• Smart Dimension
• Extruded Boss/Base
• Reference Geomtry
• Chamfer
• Fillet
• Extruded Cut

Fig. Isometric View of Middle Seat.

6. Rear Seat:
Sketch tools and Features used in modelling Rear seat: 

• Sketch
• Line
• Spline
• Trim
• Convert Entities
• Corner Rectangle
• Offset Entities
• Circle
• Centerline
• 3D sketch
• Smart Dimension
• Reference Geometry
• Swept Surface
• Offset Surface
• Extend Surface
• Trim Surface
• Ruled Surface
• Knit Surface
• Extruded Surface
• Lofted Surface
• Extruded Boss/Base
• Extruded Cut
• Fillet
• Chamfer
• Swept Boss/Base
• Revolved Boss/Base

Extended Surface: It is used to extend a surface further to a specified distance.

Ruled Surface: It creates an extended surface about an edge along a reference vector.

Fig. Isometric View of Rear Seat.

7. Superstructure
Superstructure hosts the control room of the yacht and also doubles as a shelter to the user.

Sketch tools and Features used in modelling Superstructure:

• Sketch
• Line
• Spline
• Convert Entities
• Offset Entities
• 3D Sketch
• Centerline
• Circle
• Trim
• 3-point Corner Rectangle
• 3-point Arc
• Corner Rectangle
• Smart Dimension
• 3D Sketch
• Reference Geometry
• Extruded Surface
• Swept Surface
• Knit Surface
• Ruled Surface
• Trim Surface
• Projected Curve
• Lofted Surface
• Filled Surface
• Extended Surface
• Delete Face
• Extruded Surface
• Extruded Boss/Base
• Fillet
• Extruded Cut
• Dome
• Swept Boss/Base
• Split Line
• Mirror
• Lofted Cut
• Offset Surface

3-point Arc: This tool is used to create an arc with its center and two endpoints specified. 

Filled Surface: It creates a surface connecting the selected curves or edges.

Lofted Cut: It removes material along the path connecting the selected profiles.

Fig. Isometric View of Superstructure.

8. Radarmast:
Radarmast hosts the Radar, Antennae, Horns and Radar lights.

Sketch tools and Features used in modelling radarmast:

• Sketch
• Line
• Spline
• Centerline
• 3-point Arc
• Circle
• Offset Entities
• Corner Rectangle
• Smart Dimension
• Reference Plane
• Extruded Boss/Base
• Revolved Boss/Base
• Swept Boss/Base
• Fillet
• Chamfer
• Projected Curve
• Mirror
• Dome
• Shell
• Extruded Cut

Fig. Isometric View of Radarmast.

9. Garage Door:
Sketch tools and Features used in modelling Garage Door:

• Sketch
• Circle
• Centerline
• Text
• Smart Dimension
• Extruded Cut
• Shell
• Fillet
• Mirror

Fig. Isometric View of Garage Door.

ASSEMBLY OF PREDATOR YACHT:

The components are assembled together by importing them into the assembly file and applying mates to them in an orderly manner.

The different mates used during the assembly of Predator Yacht are as follows:

• Coincident Mate
• Concentric Mate
• Width Mate
• Distance Mate

Fig. Isometric View of Assembly of Predator Yacht

Fig. Front View of Assembly of Predator Yacht

Fig. Side View of Assembly of Predator Yacht

Fig. Side View of Assembly of Predator Yacht

Fig. Top View of Assembly of Predator Yacht

Fig. Camera Setup View of Assembly of Predator Yacht

Fig. Camera Setup View of Assembly of Predator Yacht

Rendering:

Rendering is the process of generating photorealistic images from a computer software including either 2D or 3D models. The output is referred to as a rendered image or simply a render. 

Solidworks has add-ins such as Photoview 360 which can create renders within the software, but Solidworks Visualize is a dedicated application with powerful tools for creating photorealistic renders of products.

The following images are the renders of Predator Yacht with different configurations in terms of Material Appearances, Background Environment and Camera specifications.

Fig. Photorealistic render of Predator Yacht with panoramic lens

Fig. Photorealistic render of Predator Yacht with 35mm lens

Fig. Photorealistic render of Predator Yacht with 35mm wide angle lens

Fig. Photorealistic render of Predator Yacht with Telephoto 200mm lens

Fig. Photorealistic render of Predator Yacht with panoramic lens

Fig. Photorealistic render of Predator Yacht with 35mm lens

Conclusion:

Hence the objectives have been met with the completion of Assembly of Predator Yacht in Solidworks and Photorealistic rendering in Solidworks Visualize. The project outcomes are as follows:

• Part Modelling, Surface Modelling and Assembly of different components in Solidworks
• Setting up the Assembly in different environments with different appearances, decals, cameras and lights in Solidworks
• Photorealistic Rendering of the assembly with different configurations in Solidworks Visualize