Development of a CAD modeling system for components made of multi heterogeneous materials

The heterogeneous materials have been used for satisfying the requirements for special functions of components. To design and manufacture the components made of multi heterogeneous materials, the computer models for representing them need first to be built so that further analysis, optimization and manufacturing can be implemented based on the models. Since current modeling techniques can capture only the geometric information, a new modeling method has been developed to build the model that can include all the material information along with geometry information. Based on this method, this paper develops a system for modeling the components made of multi heterogeneous materials. With the system, users can use the functions of current CAD graphic software to build CAD models for their multi heterogeneous components designed and display both material and geometric information for any cross-section of the components they select. As an example for applying the system, the modeling for a special supporting component is illustrated. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.link_to_subscribed_fulltex