Can I create a shell model in AutoCAD?

[MadCADder]

I have a sheetmetal part I need to recreate for FEA that I want to do in another program. All I want to do is create the shell geometry and then apply a thickness to it in the FEA tool. Can I create something like that with AutoCAD (2002), or is there another program I should be using?

 

[architech]

Have you tried the "dish" command?
I believe the type in command is: ai_dish

Also the "dome" command should work too!
type in: ai_dome

The icons are located on the surfaces toolbar

If it's a solid you're after. Try the sphere command.
Then create other solids to carve out the sphere to your desired shape. You'll need to use the "SUBTRACT" command to achieve this ...

Hope that helps!

Rich

 

[MadCADder]

That's kind of like what I'm after, except that I don't want all the segments. If I could get a smooth surface, that would be perfect. What I'm looking for is a zero thickness shell of a part that I can apply a thickness to in a FEA tool. I just don't want to create my geometry with that FEA tool.

 

[architech]

I figured you wanted a smooth surface.
That's why I suggested the "sphere" command.
But you'll need to carve your shape out with other solids using the "subtract" command.
A primative method but will get you the results you want.

I hope that helps.

 

[h1954]

Hi
send me an sketch of the shell, Rhino is a good program to get that kind od surface, and fast

Humberto Garcia
Canada