modeling seashell- how?

[deardave]

I am trying to model a seashell shape. I have tried solids, surfaces, and every which way to get around some of the limitations with sweeps, such as not allowing self-intersecting shapes. I have finally got a good approach with surfaces, but I can't thicken the part- not very much anyway. Any ideas how to thicken or another method to try? SW2008 file is attached. Thanks!

 

[ArtemTat]

You can use "Thicken" Feature to thick the surface. Find it under "Features" commands.

You can also make a 'solid box' with the surface as bound of one of the box side. Use the "Extrude" feature with "Up to Surface" as the end conditions option.

Artem Taturevich
CSWP

 

[ArtemTat]

I'm sorry. I missed your attachment. You have already use this feature.

Due to surface geometry there is a limitaion with the thickness. I would like to suggest the following workaround:

1) Create a scaled copy of this shell. You can use scale feature with the Origin option as the "Scale About". Before you should copy the original body. You can use for example Circular pattern with 0 angle.

2) So now you have one original surface and one scaled.

3) Use set of "Filed Surface" and "Boundary Surface" features to fill the gaps between these two surfaces.

4) Once you finished the filling. Use Knit Surface feature with the "Try to Form Solid" option.

I was able to create a solid body with the big thick.

Please refer the attached picture. Where you can see the Feature Manager Tree and the generated solid body.

Artem Taturevich
CSWP

 

[deardave]

Thank You ArtemTat! That is an interesting approach. I'm new to surfaces but I will give it a try. I will let you know.