View source for Solid modeling

{{Short description|Set of principles for modeling solid geometry}}
{{Technical|date=January 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}

[[File:Jack-in-cube solid model, light background.gif|thumb|right|The geometry in solid modeling is fully described in 3{{nbhyph}}D space; objects can be viewed from any angle.]]

'''Solid modeling''' (or '''solid modelling''') is a consistent set of principles for mathematical and computer modeling of three-dimensional shapes ''[[solid (mathematics)|(solids)]]''. Solid modeling is distinguished within the broader related areas of [[geometric modeling]] and [[computer graphics]], such as ''[[3D modeling]]'', by its emphasis on physical fidelity.<ref name = "Solid Modeling">{{cite book |url=http://sal-cnc.me.wisc.edu/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=143&func=fileinfo&id=53 |title= Solid Modeling|author=  Shapiro, Vadim |year= 2001 |publisher= Elsevier |access-date=20 April 2010}}</ref> Together, the principles of geometric and solid modeling form the foundation of 3D-[[computer-aided design]], and in general, support the creation, exchange, visualization, animation, interrogation, and annotation of digital models of physical objects.

== Overview ==

The use of solid modeling techniques allows for the automation process of several difficult engineering calculations that are carried out as a part of the design process. Simulation, planning, and verification of processes such as [[machining]] and [[Assembly line|assembly]] were one of the main catalysts for the development of solid modeling. More recently, the range of supported manufacturing applications has been greatly expanded to include [[sheet metal]] [[manufacturing]], [[injection molding]], [[welding]], [[Piping|pipe]] routing, etc. Beyond traditional manufacturing, solid modeling techniques serve as the foundation for [[rapid prototyping]], digital data archival and [[reverse engineering]] by reconstructing solids from sampled points on physical objects, mechanical analysis using [[finite elements]], [[motion planning]] and NC path verification, [[Kinematics|kinematic]] and [[Dynamics (physics)|dynamic analysis]] of [[Mechanism (engineering)|mechanisms]], and so on. A central problem in all these applications is the ability to effectively represent and manipulate three-dimensional geometry in a fashion that is consistent with the physical behavior of real artifacts. Solid modeling research and development has effectively addressed many of these issues, and continues to be a central focus of [[computer-aided engineering]].

== Mathematical foundations ==
The notion of solid modeling as practised today relies on the specific need for informational completeness in mechanical geometric modeling systems, in the sense that any computer model should support all geometric queries that may be asked of its corresponding physical object. The requirement implicitly recognizes the possibility of several computer representations of the same physical object as long as any two such representations are consistent. It is impossible to computationally verify informational completeness of a representation unless the notion of a physical object is defined in terms of computable mathematical properties and independent of any particular representation. Such reasoning led to the development of the modeling paradigm that has shaped the field of solid modeling as we know it today.<ref name = "First Principles">{{cite journal |title= Solid Modeling: Current Status and Research Directions|journal = IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications|volume = 3|issue = 7|pages = 25–37|author1=Requicha, A.A.G  |author2=Voelcker, H.  |name-list-style=amp |year= 1983 |publisher= IEEE Computer Graphics |doi= 10.1109/MCG.1983.263271|s2cid = 14462567}}</ref>

All manufactured components have finite size and well behaved [[Boundary (topology)|boundaries]], so initially the focus was on mathematically modeling rigid parts made of homogeneous [[isotropic]] material that could be added or removed. These postulated properties can be translated into properties of ''regions'', subsets of three-dimensional [[Euclidean space]]. The two common approaches to define "solidity" rely on ''[[point-set topology]]'' and ''[[algebraic topology]]'' respectively. Both models specify how solids can be built from simple pieces or cells.

[[File:Regularize1.png|thumb|right|450px|Regularization of a 2D set by taking the closure of its interior]]

According to the continuum point-set model of solidity, all the points of any ''X'' ⊂ <math>\mathbb{R}^3</math> can be classified according to their ''[[Neighborhood (topology)|neighborhoods]]'' with respect to ''X'' as ''[[Interior (topology)|interior]]'', ''[[Exterior (topology)|exterior]]'', or ''[[Boundary (topology)|boundary]]'' points. Assuming <math>\mathbb{R}^3</math> is endowed with the typical [[Euclidean metric]], a neighborhood of a point ''p'' ∈''X'' takes the form of an [[Ball (mathematics)|open ball]]. For ''X'' to be considered solid, every neighborhood of any ''p'' ∈''X'' must be consistently three dimensional; points with lower-dimensional neighborhoods indicate a lack of solidity. Dimensional homogeneity of neighborhoods is guaranteed for the class of '''closed regular sets''', defined as sets equal to the ''[[Closure (topology)|closure]]'' of their interior. Any ''X'' ⊂ <math>\mathbb{R}^3</math> can be turned into a closed regular set or "regularized" by taking the closure of its interior, and thus the modeling space of solids is mathematically defined to be the space of closed regular subsets of <math>\mathbb{R}^3</math> (by the [[Heine–Borel theorem|Heine-Borel theorem]] it is implied that all solids are [[Compact space|compact]] sets). In addition, solids are required to be closed under the Boolean operations of set union, intersection, and difference (to guarantee solidity after material addition and removal). Applying the standard Boolean operations to closed regular sets may not produce a closed regular set, but this problem can be solved by regularizing the result of applying the standard Boolean operations.<ref name = "Regularized operations">{{citation|doi=10.1016/0010-4485(80)90025-1|title=Closure of Boolean operations on geometric entities|journal=Computer-Aided Design|volume=12|issue=5|pages=219–220|year=1980|last1=Tilove|first1=R.B.|last2=Requicha|first2=A.A.G.}}</ref> The regularized set operations are denoted ∪<sup>∗</sup>, ∩<sup>∗</sup>, and −<sup>∗</sup>.

The combinatorial characterization of a set ''X'' ⊂ <math>\mathbb{R}^3</math> as a solid involves representing ''X'' as an orientable [[CW complex|cell complex]] so that the cells provide finite spatial addresses for points in an otherwise innumerable continuum.<ref name="Solid Modeling"/> The class of [[semi-analytic]] [[Bounded set|bounded]] subsets of Euclidean space is closed under Boolean operations (standard and regularized) and exhibits the additional property that every semi-analytic set can be [[Stratification (mathematics)|stratified]] into a collection of disjoint cells of dimensions 0,1,2,3. A [[Triangulation (topology)|triangulation]] of a semi-analytic set into a collection of points, [[line segment]]s, triangular [[face (geometry)|faces]], and [[tetrahedral]] elements is an example of a stratification that is commonly used. The combinatorial model of solidity is then summarized by saying that in addition to being semi-analytic bounded subsets, solids are three-dimensional [[topological polyhedra]], specifically three-dimensional orientable manifolds with boundary.<ref name = "Representations">{{cite journal |title= Representations for Rigid Solids: Theory, Methods, and Systems|journal= ACM Computing Surveys|volume= 12|issue= 4|pages= 437–464|author=  Requicha, A.A.G. |year= 1980 |doi= 10.1145/356827.356833|s2cid= 207568300}}</ref> In particular this implies the [[Euler characteristic]] of the combinatorial boundary<ref name = "Hatcher">{{cite book |url=http://pi.math.cornell.edu/~hatcher/AT/ATpage.html |title= Algebraic Topology|author=  Hatcher, A. |year= 2002 |publisher= Cambridge University Press |access-date=20 April 2010}}</ref> of the polyhedron is 2. The combinatorial manifold model of solidity also guarantees the boundary of a solid separates space into exactly two components as a consequence of the [[Jordan curve theorem|Jordan-Brouwer]] theorem, thus eliminating sets with non-manifold neighborhoods that are deemed impossible to manufacture.

The point-set and combinatorial models of solids are entirely consistent with each other, can be used interchangeably, relying on continuum or combinatorial properties as needed, and can be extended to ''n'' dimensions. The key property that facilitates this consistency is that the class of closed regular subsets of <math>\mathbb{R}^n</math> coincides precisely with homogeneously ''n''-dimensional topological polyhedra. Therefore, every ''n''-dimensional solid may be unambiguously represented by its boundary and the boundary has the combinatorial structure of an ''n−1''-dimensional polyhedron having homogeneously ''n−1''-dimensional neighborhoods.

==Solid representation schemes==
Based on assumed mathematical properties, any scheme of representing solids is a method for capturing information about the class of semi-analytic subsets of Euclidean space. This means all representations are different ways of organizing the same geometric and topological data in the form of a [[data structure]]. All representation schemes are organized in terms of a finite number of operations on a set of primitives. Therefore, the modeling space of any particular representation is finite, and any single representation scheme may not completely suffice to represent all types of solids. For example, solids defined via [[Constructive solid geometry|combinations of regularized Boolean operations]] cannot necessarily be represented as the [[Solid sweep|sweep]] of a primitive moving according to a space trajectory, except in very simple cases. This forces modern geometric modeling systems to maintain several representation schemes of solids and also facilitate efficient conversion between representation schemes.

Below is a list of techniques used to create or represent solid models.<ref name="Representations"/> Modern modeling software may use a combination of these schemes to represent a solid.

=== Primitive instancing===
This scheme is based on notion of families of object, each member of a family distinguishable from the other by a few parameters. Each object family is called a ''generic primitive'', and individual objects within a family are called ''primitive instances''. For example, a family of bolts is a generic primitive, and a single bolt specified by a particular set of parameters is a primitive instance. The distinguishing characteristic of pure parameterized instancing schemes is the lack of means for combining instances to create new structures which represent new and more complex objects. The other main drawback of this scheme is the difficulty of writing [[algorithm]]s for computing properties of represented solids. A considerable amount of family-specific information must be built into the algorithms and therefore each generic primitive must be treated as a special case, allowing no uniform overall treatment.

===Spatial occupancy enumeration===
This scheme is essentially a list of spatial ''cells'' occupied by the solid. The cells, also called [[voxel]]s are cubes of a fixed size and are arranged in a fixed spatial grid (other polyhedral arrangements are also possible but cubes are the simplest). Each cell may be represented by the coordinates of a single point, such as the cell's centroid. Usually a specific scanning order is imposed and the corresponding ordered set of coordinates is called a ''spatial array''. Spatial arrays are unambiguous and unique solid representations but are too verbose for use as 'master' or definitional representations. They can, however, represent coarse approximations of parts and can be used to improve the performance of geometric algorithms, especially when used in conjunction with other representations such as [[constructive solid geometry]].

===Cell decomposition===
This scheme follows from the combinatoric (algebraic topological) descriptions of solids detailed above. A solid can be represented by its decomposition into several cells. Spatial occupancy enumeration schemes are a particular case of cell decompositions where all the cells are cubical and lie in a regular grid. Cell decompositions provide convenient ways for computing certain [[topological properties]] of solids such as its [[Connected space|connectedness]] (number of pieces) and [[Genus (mathematics)|genus]] (number of holes). Cell decompositions in the form of triangulations are the representations used in 3D [[finite elements]] for the numerical solution of partial differential equations. Other cell decompositions such as a Whitney regular [[Topologically stratified space|stratification]] or Morse decompositions may be used for applications in robot motion planning.<ref name = "Complexity_planning">{{cite book |url=http://mitpress.mit.edu/catalog/item/default.asp?tid=4749&ttype=2 |title= The Complexity of Robot Motion Planning|author=  Canny, John F. |year= 1987 |publisher= MIT press, ACM doctoral dissertation award |access-date=20 April 2010}}</ref>

===Surface mesh modeling===
Similar to boundary representation, the surface of the object is represented.  However, rather than complex data structures and NURBS, a simple surface mesh of vertices and edges is used.  Surface meshes can be structured (as in triangular meshes in [[STL (file format)|STL files]] or quad meshes with horizontal and vertical rings of quadrilaterals), or unstructured meshes with randomly grouped triangles and higher level polygons.

===Constructive solid geometry===
{{Main|Constructive Solid Geometry}}
Constructive solid geometry (CSG) is a family of schemes for representing rigid solids as Boolean constructions or combinations of primitives via the regularized set operations discussed above. CSG and boundary representations are currently the most important representation schemes for solids. CSG representations take the form of ordered [[binary tree]]s where non-terminal [[Node (computer science)|nodes]] represent either rigid transformations ([[Orientation (mathematics)|orientation]] preserving [[Isometry|isometries]]) or regularized set operations. Terminal nodes are primitive leaves that represent closed regular sets. The semantics of CSG representations is clear. Each subtree represents a set resulting from applying the indicated transformations/regularized set operations on the set represented by the primitive leaves of the subtree. CSG representations are particularly useful for capturing design intent in the form of features corresponding to material addition or removal (bosses, holes, pockets etc.). The attractive properties of CSG include conciseness, guaranteed validity of solids, computationally convenient Boolean algebraic properties, and natural control of a solid's shape in terms of high level parameters defining the solid's primitives and their positions and orientations. The relatively simple data structure and elegant [[Recursion|recursive]] algorithms<ref name = "Recursivity">{{cite journal |doi=10.1002/malq.200310107 |title= Computable Operators on Regular Sets |author=  Ziegler, M. |journal= Mathematical Logic Quarterly |year= 2004 |volume= 50 |issue= 45 |pages= 392–404 |publisher= Wiley|s2cid= 17579181 }}</ref> have further contributed to the popularity of CSG.

===Sweeping===
The basic notion embodied in sweeping schemes is simple. A set moving through space may trace or ''sweep'' out volume (a solid) that may be represented by the moving set and its trajectory. Such a representation is important in the context of applications such as detecting the material removed from a cutter as it moves along a specified trajectory, computing dynamic interference of two solids undergoing relative motion, motion planning, and even in computer graphics applications such as tracing the motions of a brush moved on a canvas. Most commercial CAD systems provide (limited) functionality for constructing swept solids mostly in the form of a two dimensional cross section moving on a space trajectory transversal to the section. However, current research has shown several approximations of three dimensional shapes moving across one parameter, and even multi-parameter motions.

===Implicit representation===
{{Main|Function representation}}
A very general method of defining a set of points ''X'' is to specify a [[Predicate (mathematical logic)|predicate]] that can be evaluated at any point in space. In other words, ''X'' is defined ''implicitly'' to consist of all the points that satisfy the condition specified by the predicate. The simplest form of a predicate is the condition on the sign of a real valued function resulting in the familiar representation of sets by equalities and inequalities. For example, if  <math>f= ax + by + cz + d</math> the conditions <math>f(p) =0</math>, <math> f(p) > 0</math>, and <math>f(p) < 0</math> represent, respectively, a plane and two open linear [[Half-space (geometry)|halfspaces]].  More complex functional primitives may be defined by Boolean combinations of simpler predicates. Furthermore, the theory of [[Rvachev function|R-functions]] allow conversions of such representations into a single function inequality for any closed semi analytic set.  Such a representation can be converted to a boundary representation using polygonization algorithms, for example, the [[marching cubes]] algorithm.

===Parametric and feature-based modeling===
Features are defined to be parametric shapes associated with ''attributes'' such as intrinsic geometric parameters (length, width, depth etc.), position and orientation, [[geometric tolerance]]s, [[material properties]], and references to other features.<ref name = "Features">{{cite journal |title= Challenges in feature based manufacturing research |journal= Communications of the ACM |volume= 39 |issue= 2 |pages= 77–85 |author=  Mantyla, M., Nau, D., and Shah, J.|year= 1996|doi= 10.1145/230798.230808 |s2cid= 3340804 |doi-access= free }}</ref> Features also provide access to related production processes and resource models. Thus, features have a semantically higher level than primitive closed regular sets. Features are generally expected to form a basis for linking CAD with downstream manufacturing applications, and also for organizing [[database]]s for design data reuse.  Parametric feature based modeling is frequently combined with constructive binary solid geometry (CSG) to fully describe systems of complex objects in engineering.

== History of solid modelers ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2012}}
{{Promotional|section|date=June 2015}}
The historical development of solid modelers has to be seen in context of the whole [[Computer-aided design|history of CAD]], the key milestones being the development of the research system BUILD followed by its commercial spin-off [[Romulus (b-rep solid modeler)|Romulus]] which went on to influence the development of [[Parasolid]], [[ACIS]] and [[Solid Modeling Solutions]]. One of the first CAD developers in the [[Commonwealth of Independent States]] (CIS), ASCON began internal development of its own solid modeler in the 1990s.<ref>{{cite journal
 |last        = Yares
 |first       = Evan
 |title       = Russian CAD
 |url         = http://www.designworld-digital.com/designworld/april_2013#pg61
 |journal     = Design World
 |volume      = 8
 |issue       = 4
 |publisher   = WTWH Media, LLC
 |issn        = 1941-7217
 |date        = April 2013
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20150130142747/http://www.designworld-digital.com/designworld/april_2013#pg61
 |archive-date = 30 January 2015
 |df          = dmy-all
}}</ref> In November 2012, the mathematical division of ASCON became a separate company, and was named [[C3D|C3D Labs]]. It was assigned the task of developing the [[C3D]] [[geometric modeling kernel]] as a standalone product – the only commercial 3D modeling kernel from Russia.<ref>{{cite book
  |last = Golovanov
  |first = Nikolay
  |title = Geometric Modeling: The mathematics of shapes
  |publisher = CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (24 December 2014)
  |page = Back cover 
  |isbn = 978-1497473195
  |year = 2014}}</ref> Other contributions came from Mäntylä, with his GWB and from the GPM project which contributed, among other things, hybrid modeling techniques at the beginning of the 1980s. This is also when the Programming Language of Solid Modeling [[PLaSM]] was conceived at the University of Rome.

== Computer-aided design ==
{{Main|Computer-aided design}}
{{More citations needed section|date=January 2012}}
The modeling of solids is only the minimum requirement of a [[Computer-aided design#Capabilities|CAD system's capabilities]]. Solid modelers have become commonplace in engineering departments in the last ten years{{When|date=December 2011}} due to faster computers and competitive software pricing. Solid modeling software creates a virtual 3D representation of components for machine design and analysis.<ref name="LaCourse Handbook">{{cite book|last=LaCourse|first=Donald|title=Handbook of Solid Modeling|publisher=McGraw Hill|year=1995|pages=2.5|chapter=2|isbn=978-0-07-035788-4}}</ref> A typical [[graphical user interface]] includes programmable macros, keyboard shortcuts and dynamic model manipulation. The ability to dynamically re-orient the model, in real-time shaded 3-D, is emphasized and helps the designer maintain a mental 3-D image.

A solid part model generally consists of a group of features, added one at a time, until the model is complete. Engineering solid models are built mostly with sketcher-based features; 2-D sketches that are swept along a path to become 3-D. These may be cuts, or extrusions for example. Design work on components is usually done within the context of the whole product using [[assembly modelling|assembly modeling]] methods. An assembly model incorporates references to individual part models that comprise the product.<ref name="LaCourse Handbook 11.3">{{cite book|last=LaCourse|first=Donald|title=Handbook of Solid Modeling|publisher=McGraw Hill|year=1995|pages=111.2|chapter=11|isbn=978-0-07-035788-4}}</ref>

Another type of modeling technique is 'surfacing' ([[Freeform surface modeling]]). Here, surfaces are defined, trimmed and merged, and filled to make solid.  The surfaces are usually defined with datum curves in space and a variety of complex commands. Surfacing is more difficult, but better applicable to some manufacturing techniques, like injection molding. Solid models for injection molded parts usually have both surfacing and sketcher based features.

[[Engineering drawing]]s can be created semi-automatically and reference the solid models.

===Parametric modeling===
Parametric modeling uses parameters to define a model (dimensions, for example). Examples of parameters are: dimensions used to create model features, material density, formulas to describe swept features, imported data (that describe a reference surface, for example). The parameter may be modified later, and the model will update to reflect the modification. Typically, there is a relationship between parts, assemblies, and drawings. A part consists of multiple features, and an assembly consists of multiple parts. Drawings can be made from either parts or assemblies.

Example: A shaft is created by extruding a circle 100&nbsp;mm. A hub is assembled to the end of the shaft. Later, the shaft is modified to be 200&nbsp;mm long (click on the shaft, select the length dimension, modify to 200). When the model is updated the shaft will be 200&nbsp;mm long, the hub will relocate to the end of the shaft to which it was assembled, and the engineering drawings and mass properties will reflect all changes automatically.

Related to parameters, but slightly different, are [[Constraint (computer-aided design)|constraints]]. Constraints are relationships between entities that make up a particular shape. For a window, the sides might be defined as being parallel, and of the same length. Parametric modeling is obvious and intuitive. But for the first three decades of CAD this was not the case. Modification meant re-draw, or add a new cut or protrusion on top of old ones. Dimensions on engineering drawings were ''created'', instead of ''shown''. Parametric modeling is very powerful, but requires more skill in model creation. A complicated model for an [[injection molding|injection molded]] part may have a thousand features, and modifying an early feature may cause later features to fail. Skillfully created parametric models are easier to maintain and modify.  Parametric modeling also lends itself to data re-use. A whole family of [[Screw|capscrews]] can be contained in one model, for example.

=== Medical solid modeling ===
{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2012}}
Modern [[computed axial tomography]] and [[magnetic resonance imaging]] scanners can be used to create solid models of internal body features called [[voxel]]-based models, with images generated using [[volume rendering]]. Optical [[3D scanners]] can be used to create point clouds or polygon mesh models of external body features.

Uses of medical solid modeling;
* Visualization
* Visualization of specific body tissues (just blood vessels and tumor, for example)
* Designing [[prosthetics]], [[orthotics]], and other medical and dental devices (this is sometimes called [[mass customization]])
* Creating [[polygon mesh]] models for [[rapid prototyping]] (to aid surgeons preparing for difficult surgeries, for example)
* Combining polygon mesh models with [[Computer-aided design|CAD]] solid modeling (design of hip replacement parts, for example)
* Computational analysis of complex biological processes, e.g. air flow, blood flow
* Computational simulation of new medical devices and implants ''in vivo''

If the use goes beyond visualization of the scan data, processes like [[image segmentation]] and [[image-based meshing]] will be necessary to generate an accurate and realistic geometrical description of the scan data.

===Engineering===
{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2012}}
{{Main|Computer-aided engineering}}
[[File:Cobalt Properties window.png|frame|right|alt=Property window outlining the mass properties of a model in [[Cobalt (CAD program)|Cobalt]] | Mass properties window of a model in [[Cobalt (CAD program)|Cobalt]] ]]
Because CAD programs running on computers "understand" the true geometry comprising complex shapes, many attributes of/for a 3{{nbhyph}}D solid, such as its center of gravity, volume, and mass, can be quickly calculated. For instance, the cube with rounded edges shown at the top of this article measures 8.4&nbsp;mm from flat to flat. Despite its many radii and the shallow pyramid on each of its six faces, its properties are readily calculated for the designer, as shown in the screenshot at right.

== See also ==

* [[Wireframe modeling|Wire frame modelling]]
* [[Free-surface modelling]]
* [[Computational geometry]]
* [[Computer graphics]]
* [[Engineering drawing]]
* Euler [[boundary representation]]
* [[List of CAx companies]]
* [[PLaSM]] – Programming Language of Solid Modeling.
* [[Technical drawing]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.geometros.com sgCore C++/C# library]
* [http://solidmodeling.org/ The Solid Modeling Association]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Solid Modeling}}
[[Category:3D computer graphics]]
[[Category:Computer-aided design]]
[[Category:Euclidean solid geometry]]