3D impeller
3D impeller
(OP)
I'm trying to model the vanes on a 3D unshrouded centrfugal impeller.
The disk & hub is a simple revolve.
Ideally, the vanes would be a thickened lofted surface whose profiles are simple straight lines normal to a 3D spline guide curve on the revolved face of the disk. Unfortunately, SW doesn't seem to be able to do this.
I can draw the 3D spline on the face, but cannot draw simple straight lines normal to the revolved surface, even when using multiple reference planes along the curve. I cannot seem to sketch points at the intersection point between a reference plane and a line normal to it.
Any and all suggestions are welcome.
Regards,
Tom
The disk & hub is a simple revolve.
Ideally, the vanes would be a thickened lofted surface whose profiles are simple straight lines normal to a 3D spline guide curve on the revolved face of the disk. Unfortunately, SW doesn't seem to be able to do this.
I can draw the 3D spline on the face, but cannot draw simple straight lines normal to the revolved surface, even when using multiple reference planes along the curve. I cannot seem to sketch points at the intersection point between a reference plane and a line normal to it.
Any and all suggestions are welcome.
Regards,
Tom






RE: 3D impeller
RE: 3D impeller
You also might try doing 3d sketches if not already doing so and try to add points in space and giving them relations to put them on the 3d curve and on a plane in space normal to the curve.
Michael
RE: 3D impeller
I've tried the surface and thicken approach, which may work depending on the geometry invovled. In my case, the vane profile was extruded from a plane normal to the axis of impeller rotation and the shrouds were created via revolutions. Clean-up was required via sharing the shrouds sketches to cut-revolve.
I guess a high end program like Nx, CATIA or Pro/E with add-ons might do it.
RE: 3D impeller
RE: 3D impeller
In most vane operations, it isn't that simple. The intersection of the vane profile is different at the front shroud versus the back shroud. Therefore, the open "eye" of the impeller would normally not be present and the vane has no surface to terminate, unless of course, you close the front shroud and add a second revolve cut to open it.
In an ideal world, you could project the vane/shroud intersection onto each shroud and do a loft, controlled as necessary by guide lines.
RE: 3D impeller
RE: 3D impeller
One approach I've tried is to construct a lofted surface between a series of radial lines, each intersecting and normal to the axis of rotation. The intersection points are spaced along the axis of rotation to suit, as are their respective angles about the axis of rotation. A revolve cut is then used to establish vane height profile w.r.t the axis of rotation. A reasonable looking impeller can be modelled in this manner.
However, while this may suffice for "marketing" purposes, it will not suffice for engineering purposes.
SolidWorks will not allow constructing lines (loft profiles) normal to a surface and intersecting a 3D curve on that surface. This would be another interesting way to go if it were possible.
RE: 3D impeller
Good luck.
RE: 3D impeller
Regards,
Jon
jgbena@yahoo.com
RE: 3D impeller
Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reality is no respecter of good intentions.