Profile-based feature representation based on guide curve approximation using line and arc segments

Abstract

The profile-based features of a mechanical computer aided design (CAD) system commonly have complicated shapes because of the guide curve, which is free-form type. However, while considering interoperability between different CAD systems, due to this kind of free-form guide curve, it is difficult to represent the corresponding feature shape in another CAD system, for example, ship CAD systems usually use relatively simple shape primitive to represent shape. Thus, in this paper, we propose a straightforward algorithm to represent profile-based features that is based on guide curve approximation using line and arcs segments. In addition, the solid alignment and filling operation are also given to complete the process of solid model reconstruction, and we use several test cases to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.