This book contains the papers presented at the international research sympo sium "Solid Modeling by Computers: From Theory to Applications," held at the General Motors Research Laboratories on September 25-27, 1983. This was the 28th syposium in aseries which the Research Laboratories began sponsor ing in 1957. Each symposium has focused on a topic that is both under active study at the Research Laboratories and is also of interest to the larger technical community. Solid modeling is still a very young research area, young even when com pared with other computer-related research fields. Ten years ago, few people recognized the importance of being able to create complete and unambiguous computer models of mechanical parts. Today there is wide recognition that computer representations of solids are aprerequisite for the automation of many engineering analyses and manufacturing applications. In September 1983, the time was ripe for a symposium on this subject. Re search had already demonstrated the efficacy of solid modeling as a tool in computer automated design and manufacturing, and there were significant re suIts wh ich could be presented at the symposium. Yet the field was still young enough that we could bring together theorists in solid modeling and practition ers applying solid modeling to other research areas in a group sm all enough to allow a stimulating exchange of ideas.

It is the view of the author that the streams of geometric and solid modeling are converging, and that as the importance of this convergence is anticipated and recognized, the need for the development of techniques to bridge the gap between the two becomes critical. This book is devoted to filling that need. "Geometric and Solid Modeling" deals with the concepts and tools needed to design and implement solid-modeling systems and their infrastructure and substrata, making this information remarkably accessible--to the novice as well as to the experienced designer. The essential algorithms and the underlying theory needed to design these systems are given primary emphasis. Techniques for the study and implementation of geometric algorithms are taken from computer science, numerical analysis, and symbolic computation, among other areas. Special attention is given to geometric investigations of implicit and parametric surfaces, with the focal point being the possible integration of geometric and solid modeling.

Solid Modelling and CAD Systems gives users an insight into the methods and problems associated with CAD systems. It acts as a bridge between users who learn interfaces without understanding how they work and developers who create systems without understanding the needs of the users. The main feature of Solid Modelling and CAD Systems is a logical analysis of the techniques and basic solid modelling methods used in modern CAD systems. The book goes on to describe, among other subjects: two-dimensional shape definition methods, the command interface and graphics, databases and data exchange, early-phase design, and command files and command structures. Reading Solid Modelling and CAD Systems will help users understand the limitations of the techniques they are using and will enable practitioners to use CAD systems more efficiently. It is a valuable tool for designers, as well as for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students. The exercises it contains allow readers to try out different aspects of the subject matter and the book also includes projects that can be used for teaching purposes.

Product Design Modeling using CAD/CAE is the third part of a four-part series. It is the first book to integrate discussion of computer design tools throughout the design process. Through this book, you will: - Understand basic design principles and all digital design paradigms - Understand computer-aided design, engineering, and manufacturing (CAD/CAE/CAM) tools available for various design-related tasks - Understand how to put an integrated system together to conduct all-digital design (ADD) - Provides a comprehensive and thorough coverage of essential elements for product modeling using the virtual engineering paradigm - Covers CAD/CAE in product design, including solid modeling, mechanical assembly, parameterization, product data management, and data exchange in CAD - Case studies and tutorial examples at the end of each chapter provide hands-on practice in implementing off-the-shelf computer design tools - Provides two projects showing the use of Pro/ENGINEER and SolidWorks to implement concepts discussed in the book