The Technology
The boundary representations (B-reps) that are spline based, have served as the geometric representation of choice for over five decades, in all commercial mechanical design (MCAD) systems. That said, the gap between design and modern (additive) manufacturing is expanding, due to the lack of appropriate geometric tools for supporting porosity, heterogeneity and anisotropy in designs. Contemporary MCAD systems can’t be utilized to provide solutions for these AM needs, as these systems, inherently, offer only B-rep modeling capabilities, and only delineate inside from outside. Further, analysis has always required a volumetric representation of geometry, and the conversions of B-reps to analysis suitable volumetric (finite element) representations have always been a challenging task, as was the mapping back of the analysis results. It is not surprising then that a common geometric representation in the design and the analysis stages, in an attempt to tighten the bond between the geometrical design and analysis stages, has always been a worthy yet unattainable goal.
A unique modeling technology that is based on a volumetric representation (V-rep), and is patented, has been developed at the Technion for the last decade or so. With V-reps, it is possible to represent the interior of geometrical objects as well as their boundaries. Volumetric attributes in the design of functionally graded material (FGM) or some physical properties are considered part of the V-rep and are carried along with the geometric model. The same representation is used, unaltered, in other stages of the design, including analysis, optimization and manufacturing, completely eliminating these tedious conversions that are required today.
Advantages
- Freeform microstructures/lattice construction: Using unique spline functional composition and symbolic computation algorithms, we provide methods for smoothly and conformally tiling the interior of any freeform object with any given tile that consists of curves, or (trimmed) surfaces/trivariates. The constructed geometry is precise (machine precision), continuous, and watertight. Further and following analysis and optimization, the geometry, topology, and material content of individual tiles in the lattices could be modified.
- A volumetric geometric modeling: a framework that provides a representation for volumetric objects, and supports algorithms for constructing and managing these objects, while offering:
- Compatibility with modern (iso-geometric) analysis tools, bridging the gap between design and analysis and eliminating any potential conversion needs
- A direct and precise interface with 3D printers, including those supporting anisotropic/heterogeneous materials
- A seamless bi-directional migration path between V-reps and existing commercial boundary representation (B-rep) modeling systems
Applications and Opportunities
- Companies that employ (high-end) MCAD tools as part of their development process
- Additive manufacturing companies and users
Business Development Contacts