Solid modelling

Solid modeling studies unambiguous representations, models of solid objects suitable for computer processing. It is also known as volume modelling.

Basic representation techniques

• Parameterized primitive instancing.
  • An object is specified by the reference to the library of parameterized primitives (e.g., library of nuts and bolts).
• Sweeping
  • An object is specified in terms of volumes "swept out" by moving of a primitive along a simple curve. These volumes either add to the object ("extrusion") or remove material ("cutter path").
• Spatial occupancy
  • The whole space is subdivided into regular cells, and the object is specified by the set of cells it occupies.
• Decomposition
  • Similar to "spatial occupancy", but the cells are neither regular, nor "prefabricated".
• Constructive solid geometry.
• Boundary representation
  • A solid object is represented by surfaces of its boundary.

See also: Computer graphics.