SketchUp Models of Concept Vehicles

[Cd]

Neil - nice models ! Is there a way to subdivide them further in SketchUp ?
They look like they have a good poly count now, but they could be a lot smoother.
From what I understand, the models will need to be subdivided many,many times over to be used in a CFD program.
How does SketchUp compare to other 3D apps such as Blender ?

[NeilBlanchard]

SketchUp has a several good subdivide scripts, but the one that I bought doesn't work with the Kamm back edges -- they get all stretched and scalloped and wonky...

The CarBEN EV model has lots of "hidden" polygons -- the entire battery pack (768 cells) is included, and the five 3D figures, five seats, the steering wheel component, two versions of the doors (open position and closed) -- the model has passed the threshold for my computer to handle it very quickly.

My son is pursuing a plugin for the Half Life 2 game, called Garry's Mod that can directly import SKP files, that will hopefully do CFD. It in effect "drives" the model; rather than simulating a wind tunnel. You give the vehicle "weight" and a "motor" and it then can be "driven". The fellow programing it is specifically intending it to work as aerodynamic analysis. It is a work in progress, so we'll see.

SketchUp is not a solid modeler. It was originally intended for architectural model; which is what I got it for. But there are lots of folks doing all sorts of models with it. As you can see in this thread -- and there are even more incredible models that that. Using SketchUp is quite tactile -- it's fun.

[NeilBlanchard]

Here's a more finished version of the pickup cap I was working on in another thread:

[NeilBlanchard]

I've been working on a SketchUp model of the Dolphin:



It is slow going because I have to establish all the "hard points" of the overall shape -- and I had to start over once I got the photos with a 6' scale reference. You can't see it from this view but I have the frontal profile and the full side profile done and intersected, and the rear transom is as close as I can get it. And you can see the major arcs on the side and roof are in the model.

[NeilBlanchard]

Okay, I've been continuing to work on the SketchUp model of the Dolphin:

[NeilBlanchard]

Here's an animated video of the aerocap design:

[turin]

Neil, have you tried this -- insight3d.sourceforge.net ? Looks like it may help

[NeilBlanchard]

Here's the SketchUp model of the Dolphin, that I am working on:

[NeilBlanchard]

Here's a tutorial on producing *really* complex models with SketchUp:

Making of Black Hawk :: Google SketchUp 3D Rendering Tutorials SketchUpArtists

This is a SketchUp model:





Stunning work...

[NeilBlanchard]

A bit more work on the Dolphin model today: