HW2: Model Preparation
CS 482/681, Dr. Lawlor
This is a multi-part homework:
- Build a model of any reasonably interesting, symmetrical 3D
shape. You can use any software package (I usually use
Blender for more organic shapes, or OpenSCAD for geometric
shapes).
- Extract the 3D shape into a common file format. I
usually use Wavefront .obj file format for my own code, but
TetGen can directly read .ply or .stl. If needed, you can
convert formats using MeshLab.
- Open a command prompt and run TetGen
(precompiled Windows binary here) to
generate tetrahedra: tetgen -peqOB foo.ply
- Read the resulting files .node (XYZ coordinates) and .edge
(pairs of vertex numbers) into a finite element or spring system
simulation. I usually convert the geometry file to
JavaScript code with a simple command line utility like
awk, but you can use a spreadsheet or any format
conversion you like.
The net result should be a solid simulation representing geometry
you designed! Tune the constants and damping to run smooth and
stable.
To save your PixAnvil simulation, hit the "Save" tab, select all the
text, and save it to a .html file using a plain text editor such as
Notepad. Turn in your model and updated .html simulation as a
.zip file on
Blackboard (you'll need to log in first)
by the due date of Friday, February 24.