Radar Mast & Final Assembly of Yacht
- TITLE - MODELLING OF SUNSEEKER PREDATOR 108 YATCH IN SOLIDWORKS
- INTRODUCTION
The SOLIDWORKS Software
The SOLIDWORKS® CAD software is a mechanical design automation application that lets designers quickly sketch out ideas, experiment with features and dimensions, and produce models and detailed drawings. This document discusses concepts and terminology used throughout the SOLIDWORKS application to produce a new age SunSeeker Predator 108 Yatch and set it up in an environment.
It familiarizes with the commonly used functions of SOLIDWORKS.
In this report, concepts and design processes in a high-level approach are introduced.
Firstly the 2D sketches are designed on different planes, followed by a step by step approach to enhancing these sketches to a full-fledged 3D model as per the specified dimensions, thus completing the part.
This method is used to make several parts of the Yatch and finally complete the assembly of the structures by fixing the individual parts mainly using the “Mate” option as well as considering the orientation and angles, thereby specifying the type of material and colour as we progress.
The assembly in then set up in an environment and rendered to get a high quality image using SolidWorksVisualize software.
SolidWorks provides a plethora of tools to a designer to work and use as per needs of the design requirements.
The design approach is understood and also the tools and features used along the making of the model is considered in this report.
The models are made as per the functionality of individual parts to obtain results close to real life situations, finally producing the rendered images after setting up the Sunseeker Predator-108 Yatch Assembly in a predefined SolidWorks Environment.
Components that are designed using SolidWorks are:
- Propeller
- Radar
- Hull
- Garage Door
- Front Seat
- Middle Seat
- Rear Seat
- Super Structure
- Radar Mast
- OBJECTIVE
- To learn SolidWorks commands
- Design of all parts of the Yatch with help of a blueprint sketch to fit dimensions
- Assembly of individual parts and solid bodies
- Understand basic features of setting up views, appearance, material of parts/components and adjusting according to desirability
- DESIGN PROCESS
The design process usually involves the following steps:
- Identify the model requirements.
- Conceptualize the model based on the identified needs.
- Develop the model based on the concepts.
- Analyze the model.
- Prototype the model.
- Construct the model.
- Edit the model, if needed.
- DESIGN / APPROACH METHODOLOGY
To perform a design, a designer can choose one of the two ways of broadly classified approaches. They are
1) Top-Down Approach or the In-Context Design
This approach is often used, when the product being designed is large that it requires many further sub-parts to complete the design. A senior-level designer might create the initial assembly layout, then divide the assembly layout into logical sub-assemblies and parts for the remainder of the organization to complete.
It is an assembly centric modelling method.
Bottoms-Up Approach
The assembly design is started with a principal structural or functional element, and individual parts are designed in relative isolation from the overall assembly. Component parts and sub-assemblies are defined as the process moves up towards the top-level assembly.
It is a part centric modelling method.
For the modelling of the Yatch, we use the Bottoms-Up Approach.
We make individual parts (propeller, garage door, front seat, middle seat, rear seat, superstructure, radar, radar mast) and build our way through to complete component mountings onto the Hull structure, thereby completing the assembly.
SOLIDWORKS TOOLS/FEATURES USED
- Extrude Boss/Cut
- Fillet
- Revolve boss feature
- Extrude cut
- Shell
- Linear pattern
- Mirror
- Reference geometry
- Projected curve
- Knit
- Loft
- Dome
- DESCRIPTION
EXTRUDE BOSS
Extrude tool is used to extend a sketched profile in one or two directions as either a thin feature or a solid feature. An extrude operation can either add material to a part (in a base or boss) or remove material from a part. Extruded Boss Extruded Boss feature adds material to the part model. To create an extruded boss: 1) Sketch a profile for the extruded boss. 2) Select Extruded Boss/Base on the Features toolbar or select Insert, Base, Extrude on the menu bar.
Use the spin buttons beside the depth text box to change the value, or type in the value in the text box. If necessary, click Reverse Direction button to change the extrusion direction.
Up to Vertex terminates the extrusion at a selected vertex level.
Up to Surface terminates the extrusion at a selected surface. If it is selected, the depth text box changes to face list box. Select a surface to terminate the extrusion in the existing part features. To remove the material the cut extrude feature is used. The boundaries and cut cross section dimensions can be marked with the help of the lift box.
Cut Extrude Feature used for propeller, depth of 210mm for a circular diameter of 114mm and also for radar fixture onto radar mast. An image of boss extrude of the space behind garage door to mark the section, an extrude of 10mm was given to the hull floor.
Fillet
The SolidWorks models have sharp edges as we model and want a final finish, a designer would want to make the surface ends as smooth as possible by making the egdes curved to join material in other planes. This can be done by using the fillet option. The radius of the fillet can be mentioned to obtain the required edges as per design.
Propeller blade fillet feature used and followed by a circular pattern for other blades. The feature was also used for getting a smooth edge of the radar ends as shown in the figure.
Revolve boss feature:- This feature works around an axis, by selecting axis of a sketch it adds a round material by revolving around that axis. If there is no axis we can select an edge of a sketch and it gives us appropriate geometry.
Hull anchor release component - revolve boss feature
Extrude cut
This feature cuts the geometry which we don’t need from the part or it can be used to give the desired shape to the sketch or solid part. When we draw sketch on the solid part and then we use extrude cut command it removes that part/surface.
Shell
The shell tool hollows out a part, leaves open the faces you select, and creates thin-walled features on the remaining faces. If any face on the model is not selected, we can shell a solid part, creating a closed, hollow model. We can also shell a model using multiple thicknesses. The Shell feature hollows out the inside of the solid, leaving a shell of a specified wall thickness. It lets you specify a surface or surfaces that you want to remove from the shell. When defining a shell, you can also select surfaces where you want to assign a different thickness.
Shell feature added to Hull and also to the horn of the radar mast of a certain thickness.
Linear pattern
Linear pattern is used to create single sketch to use multiple times. The spacing, angles and path can be given in this feature to draw or create pattern. This feature spaced uniformly along one or two linear paths.
Hull Rear Edge Rope Clamps using Linear Pattern
Mirror
This feature creates a copy of the solid part with respect to a reference. When this feature is applied it need plane or axis to mirror. Select the body which is to be mirror, select an axis or plane then apply feature and the mirrored part will get. Multibody parts: Apply feature to one or more multibody parts by selecting geometry pattern and using feature scope to choose which bodies should include the feature.
Mirror feature used to mirror lights mounted on the radar mast
Reference geometry
It defines the shape or form of a surface or a solid. This includes features such as planes, axes, co-ordinate system and points. This can be used according to need in a sketch.
Use of reference geometry example:
Axis
If we want to pattern something and axis is not available by using reference geometry axis it gets easier to make pattern.
Plane
If we need to sketch and there is need of plane by using reference geometry plane we can draw it and complete the sketch.
Projected curve
The curve can be project by a sketch into a model to create a 3D curve. We can create multiple closed or open contour projected curves from a single sketch. Generally the curve can be intersection of two extruding surfaces. The curve which is created can be use as a path for the sketch of the part. Note: It does not create curve of an intersecting nature.
Curve feature used to project the curve for radar mast light support structure. This is done with reference to mid plane and front plane reference sketches.
Knit
Use of knit surface tool to combine two or more faces and surfaces into one. It create a solid body when the knit surfaces form a closed volume or leave as a surface body.
Surface knit of the superstructure with the hull surface.
Mate
Mate creates geometric relationship between assembly and component. When we add mates, it defines the allowable direction of linear or rotational motion of component within its degree of freedom, visualizing the assembly’s behavior.
This feature includes:-
Coincident mate
Coincident mate make two planar faces to become coplanar. This mate can move along one another but cannot be separated.
Concentric mate
This makes two circular faces to become concentric and can move along the common axis.
Tangent: This feature can be use between a face and plane to make tangent mate.
Angular mate
This makes angular relation between flat surface and the surface having some angle.
Surface mate of rear seat to hull floor using mate option.
Coincident and concentric Mate of radar to radar mast part. The option is also used for propeller allowing them to rotate freely.
Loft
The loft feature creates a shape by making transitions between multiple profiles and guide curves.
Loft feature used for the bottom of the hull structure and also for rear seat profile as shown in the above images.
Dome
The dome feature calculates the distance using the radius of the arc as a basis for the dome. It creates a dome that is tangent to the adjacent cylindrical or conical face.
Dome feature used on the front seat and also for the ship horn structure.
The main Solid Works features have been discussed. We can proceed to the discussion of parts of the Yatch as was listed in the flowchart.
PROPELLER
The propeller is a mechanism that powers forward motion of the yatch. It sucks fluid and pushes it back, thus giving thrust.
A sketch is made and revolved according to dimensions of the hub.
A loft is made using the sketches as shown and followed by a circular pattern to complete the propeller. The edges are tuned using the fillet option of a certain radius.
The propeller is thus obtained.
Isometric View
RADAR
A sketch is drawn at mid/right plane and extruded.
Fillet option is then used on to the edges to get the structure shape.
A profile is obtained and detailed using the linear pattern of the nuts after the end caps of the radar are extruded. It is then imprinted with the sticker “YatchTutorial” using split line option.
We thus obtain images as shown, a design of the radar.
Front View
Side View
Top View
Isometric View
HULL
Project curve for the two sketches of top plane and right plane.
Using loft feature to add material between the base and surface of the hull according to the projected sketches.
Extrude for rear shape of the hull.
Shell feature is used to make the hull hollow and remove material within to make the hull lighter.
Stairs are modelled as sketches are extruded and then using filet feature on edges required.
The strake lines are chamfered to give a streamlined definition, better propelling aerodynamics as the hull will be submerged into fluid.
Sweep feature is used to mount railings onto the hull sides.
Suspension structure and propeller frames are modelled using the appropriate features at the rear base of the hull.
Additional details like windows, garage door space, anchor and clamps are modelled and finally knitted to make a mirrored entity.
We get the images for the planes as required.
Front View
Top View
Side View
Isometric View
Garage Door
Front View
Top View
Side View
Isometric View
FRONT SEAT
The same procedure and features are used to make the front seat. Only the dimensions vary and with a few tweeks and dimension changes for the sketches made on different planes, the middle seats and rear seats are created. The step by step modeling procedure is only described for the Hull Part of the Yatch. The same tools and similar features are used to model the rest of the Solid bodies. Only the plane views are depicted in the report as follows.
Front View
Top View
Side View
Isometric View
MIDDLE SEAT
The furniture the Yatch houses are modeled to a top notch luxury styled decor.
Front View
Top View
Side View
Isometric View
REAR SEAT
The rear seats are modeled with the Ship's Flag, being it's identity. A projected curve feature is used to make the flag look as realistic as possible.
Front View
Top View
Side View
Isometric View
SUPER STRUCTURE
The super structure is mounted onto the Yatch Hull. It is modeled considering bright aerodynamics such that the drag is low and improves forward motion of the Yatch, also giving it a sportier look.
Front View
Top View
Side View
Isometric View
Features used to create the SuperStructure:
- Blueprint sketch
- Splines
- Curves
- Mirror
- Boss extrude
- Extrude cut
- Chamfer
- Dome
- Split
- Revolve
- Combine
- Thicken
- Extend Surface
- Thin feature (for a certain thickness when using the Shell feature)
RADAR MAST
The radar uses radio waves to send waves of a certain frequency and reflect on an obejct. The mechanism is used to detect the object in the vicinity of the Yatch. The Radar Mast houses the radar which rotates about it's axis.
Front View
Top View
Side View
Isometric View
Assembly of the SunSeeker Predator 108 Yatch:- All the parts were modelled and were imported to assemble them. In assembly mate feature is most commonly used to locate and relate the parts with one another. Hull is the main component which is inserted first and then fixed along with other structures. The other components were inserted one by one and by using planes for reference and giving the mate feature once the part gets fixed it is fixed rather than “floats” in relation to other components. Some parts were modified during assembly to make it perfect according to requirement. The American Chopper MotorCycle was inserted into the garage space and the door was locked using a coincident mate option.
Decals
A decal is something called a “transfer”, and it consists of a picture, image, pattern, or design that’s printed on metal body. Decals are added onto the hull floor, stairs and garage space to make them seem as real as possible with a wooden texture.
Decals used for floors and steps of the Yatch.
Below are the images of the Yatch after the assembly of individual solid bodies and setting up their appearances in front, top and side views along with the isometric view.
Yatch Front View
Yatch Top View
Yatch Side View
Yatch Isometric View
- Rendering
PhotoView 360 is a SOLIDWORKS add-in that produces photo-realistic renderings of SOLIDWORKS models. The rendered image incorporates the appearances, lighting, scene, and decals included with the model.
We can schedule the render as the render time depends on number of passes for rendering and based on the computer specifications.
We can make detailed adjustments in the final render window.
Below are a few rendered images of the SunSeeker Predator 108 Yatch.
The images have a solid appearance as the reflections of the mini-pool jacuzzi, reflections of the glass window panes and the yatch body colour all together put out a nice sound and good quality close to real world visuals.
- Conclusion:
- Understanding modeling and Computer Aided Design using SolidWorks Software
- Rendering images using PhotoView360 and SolidWorks Visualize
- Modeling of the American Chopper and SunSeeker Predator 108 Yatch
- Getting a detailed insight of the software by using the wide range of "tailored" features available to the designer