Model Sagging Interface

[Anonymous]

Hi!

I'm trying to recreate the 3D model I've attached here.

Essentially I want to create a model of a sagging interface between four pillars.

Any suggestions on how to accomplish this in Fusion 360 would be amazing!

Thanks

[jhackney1972]

I would use the Form tool panel to create and modify a plane form.  Then I would model the supporting trapezoid bodies holding it up.  I only did one of the corners in my screencast to demo.  You would repeat the process for all four corners.  You can also experiment with the number of divisions for more control. I notice the rounding of the inside edge when I did the crease, I do not know why but maybe you can play with it.

[MichaelT_123]

Hi Mr. Michael Wood,

I am not sure if the exercise, is for aesthetic or engineering purposes?

If the former is your concern, developing Mr. Hackney concept might be the solution.

If the latter is your goal, we start talking about modelling a catenary surface .

In such case the eyeball approach would be probably unacceptable, and some number crunching would be necessary.

There are software on the market which would do the job easily, like ones based on Finite Element Methods or Boundary Element Methods (more appropriate ones).

Also, as the case is academically simple, there might be analytical solutions for it (note two symmetries). If you find the equations get back to me, I will try to build the F360 model for you (free of charge).

Finally, I am not an expert on F360 generative design but possibly you could also try this heavy handed approach deriving into some outcome ( or hundreds of them).

Regards

MichaelT

[chrisplyler · Accepted solution]

I much prefer to use Sketches and Surfaces instead of a Form, if you want precision control AND the shape allows for it. This one is a little bit complex, and requires a few sketches, but I think the result is worth it. I'll attach the file at the bottom of this post so that you can open it and follow the timeline and inspect the sketches.

[chrisplyler]

And of course, you can edit the cube extrusions to have a taper angle if you want.

[TrippyLighting]

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@MichaelT_123 wrote:

In such case the eyeball approach would be probably unacceptable, and some number crunching would be necessary.

There are software on the market which would do the job easily, like ones based on Finite Element Methods or Boundary Element Methods (more appropriate ones).

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I think this would be a perfect example for a cloth simulation in Blender, Side FX Houdini or any other mesh modeling tool.