Why aren't we using AirShaper to do aerodynamic testing ?

[Cd]

For $50 to start, I can't see why we should throw out CFD entirely.
I'm building a model of my car with the aeromods and will test using Airshaper.
I realize that the results will not be accurate with the entry level tests, but it will give me lots of data to work with that would be a ton of work, or near impossible to do in real life ( like see the drag plume coming from the wheelwells. )

[freebeard]

What software? What file type? How may polys?

I found the Beetle model I used with Wings 3D in 2013 in backup. The only thing I've done so far is take the bumpers off. But now I can actually edit the mesh.

[Frontier2307]

Cd, did you ever get this done with Airshaper? I am in a similar position where I want to test out some ideas in CFD before fabricating them. I'd be interested to see what you got out of it.

[Cd]

Originally Posted by freebeard

What software? What file type? How may polys?

I found the Beetle model I used with Wings 3D in 2013 in backup. The only thing I've done so far is take the bumpers off. But now I can actually edit the mesh.

Software is a mismatch of whatever will run on the old machine i have and not go buggy. File type I usually save to is .obj ( old habit )
No idea on poly count.

[Cd]

Originally Posted by Frontier2307

Cd, did you ever get this done with Airshaper? I am in a similar position where I want to test out some ideas in CFD before fabricating them. I'd be interested to see what you got out of it.

I modified the design slightly on my car, and am doing real world tuft testing to refine it for now.
The summer heat gives me a window of time of about an hour to work on the car, so things are moving very slow.

I also have a 12 year old laptop that won't even run the latest version of Blender, and modeling takes time.
I'm really 'rusty' with it all, and have forgotten much of what I knew of doing 3D.
I keep seeing 3d scanning done using a cell phone, and the results look100x times more detailed than anything I could model.

I don't have one of these fancy phones though.

Just knowing that it can be done with basically a push of a button keeps me from even attempting to model anything if it is going to take more than a few hours.

When I have a more final design, I certainly plan to test a model of it using Airshaper.

I'd love to see what you come up with on your car.
Do you have a 3D model of the car ?
You can get a free one from the Sketchup Warehouse.
I have it if you have any problems with the download.

Looking forward to seeing what you create.

[Frontier2307]

I have used an app called 'Polycam' that uses photogrammetry to create 3D models from photos or videos (no fancy phone-lidar required!). It's free for the first 60 scans, and I've found it does a pretty good job, but it still needs to be cleaned up in Blender (or similar).

I eventually broke down and bought a CAD model of my Leaf. I still need to find a model of my wifes Bolt EV. What 3D models do you have (and would be willing to share)?

I have been playing around with openFOAM (the engine behind Airshaper) in my spare time. I will post a few screenshots once I get it up and running. I would like to run a case on my machine and then run the same exact case thru Airshaper and see if we get the same answer. Then I will have more confidence that I can run my own models without having to pay for each one.

[freebeard]

...it still needs to be cleaned up in Blender (or similar).

What does it need? Decimation? Watertightness? Retopo?

[Frontier2307]

Originally Posted by freebeard

What does it need? Decimation? Watertightness? Retopo?

Retopology is needed because the body panels of the car in the scan are still quite bumpy. Getting a good scan is an art unto itself!

[Cd]

@Frontier2307 : Well, you certainly are good with OpenFOAM !
Those are some fantastic results !
I love the way it shows the shape of the wake.
Amazing.

What do you think of FluidX3D ?
It's incredible how powerful that it is, yet it is open souce.
I'd give it a try, but like OpenFoam, I get stumped at anything that is not child level programming.

Regarding the Leaf model, I'm pretty sure that the model is much lower res. than the one you have.
It is free though, so I'll see if I can send you the link to download it so you can have it in case something on this one is modeled that is not on the one you have.
If it is not still online, I'll send it to you by email, or whatever.
I downloaded that app. Thanks for the tip.
I made a quick test, but the app charges money to create the model.
How detailed can you get with the app ?
It looks like the more detailed you get, the more you have to pay.
Thank you though.

Edit : The Leaf 3d model has been removed online.
I can try and send it through a private message.
I think it might be buried on my old laptop though.
I'll charge the thing up and look for it later if you would like the model.

[freebeard]

Edit : The Leaf 3d model has been removed online.

DMI-3D is still there. On DMI Car 3D Models - Cars 16 they have the Leaf in .lwo, .obj and .3ds.

On the main page is a link to 25 other sources of free models (Free3D to RIG Models) and 25 for 'not free' models (Turbosquid to Vispeople). And three online file converters.