Parametric Modeling of Surfaces Using CATIA v5 Environment

Abstract

The goal of the CAD parametric modeling is to create a 3D representation, flexible and complex enough to encourage the engineer to easily consider a variety of designs with the cost of applying changes as low as possible. Geometric modeling systems provide a virtual environment similar to the real one in which the physical model is constructed/designed and manipulated. Using such a system, the engineer models, adds, deforms and edits parts in the process of detailing a shape. The virtual model may look the same as the real physical model, but it’s intangible. However, the 3D virtual model is accompanied by its mathematical description, parameters, restraints and these eliminates the need of measurements for prototyping or mass production, can be modified at any modeling phase, can be tested in various ways etc., which is a major disadvantage of using a physical part. This paper presents some theoretical aspects regarding the design process of products including surfaces and a few case studies showing the many possibilities in creating complex surfaces using the CATIA v5 software.