HELP!_modelling an inlet tract within block...

[sughew]

Hi, I am a newbie with Solidworks so bear with me....

I am trying to model a cylinder head with Solidworks 2001+.

My problem is that I cannot construct the inlet/exhaust tracts within the cylinder block (a simple cube).

I have tried to use the sweep function, but that only produces a solid. I want to extrude the shape within the block. The tracts are typical curved paths.

How could I model the tracts. It is very frustrating!

sughew

 

[SBaugh]

That's why you need to get a more up to date version. you can make cut-sweeps with I think SW03 and up.

You will have to construct it using surfaces most likely, but it's been so long since most of us used SW01+, I'm sure our way of thinking will not work as well, since the version you are using is way limited then what we use today.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[StefanHamminga]

I like to model ports as solids, then do a body substract from the actual head, it gives you a very good visual on the port shape. I must admit I have no idea if it works in SW2001 (it sure does in 2004/2005)

 

[SBaugh]

What you are describing does not work until SW04. that's why he needs an updated version of SW.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[EngJW]

In the few that I have done, it has been very difficult to do the complete port in one operation. Usually it is a combination of sweeps and lofts. Sweeps are easier because you can do a hollow part. I can't get lofts to do this. I had to run one solid loft, then a second cut loft through it. The paths are also difficult to do. I make a number of planes and draw lines of various length and angles so I can go back and change them, and then combine all these into a single 3d curve. It has been very frustrating to start by making a 3d sketch (hopefully SW2006 will be better).

Converting old 2d paper drawings into solid models is also difficult because some cross sections that can be drawn in a 2d view do not connect in 3d, or SW will refuse the operation. Some curves are too sharp for a sweep or loft to follow. A lot of it was left to the pattern maker before, but SW does not have an icon for blend or file to fit.

 

[StefanHamminga]

Using spline guide curves should produce the bends you 'd need for constructing port geometry.

EngJW: care to show me a pic of one of the drawings that you weren't able to use in a loft?

I got some really nice powerpoint presentations I found on the net showing exactly how to convince SW to produce the lofts the way you had intended. Check out the "Curvy stuff" tutorials.

The URL: Dimonte Group tutorials

Stefan Hamminga
Mesken BV
2005 Certified SolidWorks Professional
Mechanical designer/AI student

 

[EngJW]

Stefan,

I don't have anything that I can easily get to but typically it would be a round cross section lofted into a square or rectangular cross section. The round one would have an OD and ID (for the port wall)and the other section would have a wall of the same thickness.

This would generate an error message, something about using a single closed profile. I get around it by lofting a solid port for the outer wall and then a cut loft for the inside. It is a lot of extra work. It might just be my lack of knowledge or experience with this.

Thanks for the link. I will take a look at it.