Creating a dome... (Im very new to solidworks)

[cp3]

Im trying to create a tank, one that holds natural gas, and yet I cant figure out how to create a dome. I have the basic shape of the middle, but creating a dome on the top has proved challenging. I draw a circle and give it a surface, but that doesnt work... So I create a solid and create a dome with that, but the problem is is I dont want the dome to be solid. Its a dome shaped contair that obviously is not a solid..

Hope this made some sense and you can help me out. Thanks.

 

[helbling34]

CP3,

You could take the solid dome that you have and use the shell command on the features toolbar. Or you could create the dome using the sweep command. Create a sketch on top of your main cylinder for the path and then a new sketch perpendicular on a center plane that makes up the dome top to be used as the profile. Sweep about the vertical center line of your cylinder.

 

[ctopher]

You can create a sketch of the walls of the dome and revolve it, or create the solid of the dome (possibly including the tank body), and shell it.

Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 08; CATIA V5
ctopher's home (updated Aug 5, 2008)
ctopher's blog
SolidWorks Legion

 

[cp3]

Ah... The shell command. That worked prefectly. Thank you!

Also, how do I mirror a shape? I select the half dome on the bottom, how do I mirror it perfectly in the middle of my shape that I already created to make the dome?

 

[ctopher]

Use the mirror command.

Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 08; CATIA V5
ctopher's home (updated Aug 5, 2008)
ctopher's blog
SolidWorks Legion

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

The Mirror function works quite well for that.

Have you worked through all the SolidWorks Tutorials in the Help section? If not, I suggest you do so. While they don't cover everything that SW can do, they do give a very good introduction.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

BTW, a Shell can be created on a fully formed solid (like your tank). Just select the Shell command but do not select any faces, set the thickness and finish. This will create a hollow of the active part.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Here's another method.

 

[cp3]

Thanks guys.. I appreciate the help and I have it figured out.

One more quick question, how do I convert a drawing already made in mm into inches?

 

[dgowans]

One more quick question, how do I convert a drawing already made in mm into inches?

Tools, Options, Document Properties, Units

 

[ctopher]

cp3,
I suggest reading through the Help menu and taking a class. I will help you a lot.

Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 08; CATIA V5
ctopher's home (updated Aug 5, 2008)
ctopher's blog
SolidWorks Legion