Shape interrogation is the process of extraction of information from a geometric model. It is a fundamental component of Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems. This book provides a bridge between the areas geometric modeling and solid modeling. Apart from the differential geometry topics covered, the entire book is based on the unifying concept of recasting all shape interrogation problems to the solution of a nonlinear system. It provides the mathematical fundamentals as well as algorithms for various shape interrogation methods including nonlinear polynomial solvers, intersection problems, differential geometry of intersection curves, distance functions, curve and surface interrogation, umbilics and lines of curvature, and geodesics.

Shape interrogation is the process of extraction of information from a geometric model. It is a fundamental component of Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems. The authors focus on shape interrogation of geometric models bounded by free-form surfaces. Free-form surfaces, also called sculptured surfaces, are widely used in the bodies of ships, automobiles and aircraft, which have both functionality and attractive shape requirements. Many electronic devices as well as consumer products are designed with aesthetic shapes, which involve free-form surfaces. This book provides the mathematical fundamentals as well as algorithms for various shape interrogation methods including nonlinear polynomial solvers, intersection problems, differential geometry of intersection curves, distance functions, curve and surface interrogation, umbilics and lines of curvature, geodesics, and offset curves and surfaces. This book will be of interest both to graduate students and professionals.

A new discipline is said to attain maturity when the subject matter takes the shape of a textbook. Several textbooks later, the discipline tends to acquire a firm place in the curriculum for teaching and learning. Computer Aided Engineering Design (CAED), barely three decades old, is interdisciplinary in nature whose boundaries are still expanding. However, it draws its core strength from several acknowledged and diverse areas such as computer graphics, differential geometry, Boolean algebra, computational geometry, topological spaces, numerical analysis, mechanics of solids, engineering design and a few others. CAED also needs to show its strong linkages with Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM). As is true with any growing discipline, the literature is widespread in research journals, edited books, and conference proceedings. Various textbooks have appeared with different biases, like geometric modeling, computer graphics, and CAD/CAM over the last decade. This book goes into mathematical foundations and the core subjects of CAED without allowing itself to be overshadowed by computer graphics. It is written in a logical and thorough manner for use mainly by senior and graduate level students as well as users and developers of CAD software. The book covers (a) The fundamental concepts of geometric modeling so that a real understanding of designing synthetic surfaces and solid modeling can be achieved. (b) A wide spectrum of CAED topics such as CAD of linkages and machine elements, finite element analysis, optimization. (c) Application of these methods to real world problems.

QCAD is a professional CAD system that is both very affordable and also easy to learn. This book will teach you how to use QCAD and introduce you to the basic concepts of technical drafting and CAD in general. No technical background or education is required to follow and understand the many examples and detailed step by step instructions in this book.

Illustrates recently developed fixture design and verification technology, focusing on their central role in manufacturing processes. The text uses up-to-date computer technology to minimize costs, increase productivity and assure product quality. It presents advanced data and analysis that is directly applicable to development of comprehensive com

This book contains various types of mathematical descriptions of curves and surfaces, such as Ferguson, Coons, Spline, Bézier and B-spline curves and surfaces. The materials are classified and arranged in a unified way so that beginners can easily understand the whole spectrum of parametric curves and surfaces. This book will be useful to many researchers, designers, teachers, and students who are working on curves and surfaces. The book can be used as a textbook in computer aided design classes.