Curved vertical surfaces on an elliptical body?

[Anonymous]

This part does sit flat on the bottom surface of the top left image. From there on out, there are no perpendicular or parallel surfaces on the shell.  What technique will give me the vertical curved sidewalls on this elliptical surface?  I have watched the training videos, and tried everything I can think of. Tried using a Loft, but it made a straight vertical surface. Any ideas ?

[neljoshua]

@Anonymous,

I believe that "Project to surface" will give you what you want in this situation.  If you search for posts that reference this feature on the forum, you can find a lot of good information and examples. Here is one.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Josh,

The examples you pointed to didn't really give me what I am after. I will however take a closer look at the Project to Surface tool.

The part I am struggling with is creating the curvature of the main body. Please ignore those ellipse slots in the center.  Looking at the top left photo, you will see the left vertical side has a specific curve. As you observe the contour of the curve as it warps to the middle front (also seen in the right side photo) the curve is more flattened, but still a curve. The distance of the curve on the left side from the bottom left corner up to the crease (0.665 down from the top edge at the ends) is a distance of 1.930" and at the middle base point (3.25") the distance to the crease is only 1.822". A slight drop that changes the curve shape. In the bottom photo (picture of the top of the model) you can see that bottom base is 6.5" diameter and is an ellipse type of arc of 2.925", and the top is a perfect 5" diameter arc.

If you or anyone has a sample of producing a vertically curved body from an elliptical base to a true arc at the top  I would thankful... and quite impressed. 

Thanks Again... Jerry

[etfrench]

Probably the best method is to use the Plane Along Path.  Start by creating the ellipse in a sketch. Close the sketch and select the Plane Along Path item from the Construct menu (Set the distance to 0). Create a new sketch on the plane. Draw the profile of the model. Use the Sweep command to generate the model.

[davebYYPCU]

Looks like a job for two intersecting bodies, due to that creased appearance, could be revolve, lofts or tsplines with out more information.

Screencast or file with details will help us steer you to the solution.