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2. Computer Aided Design

Introduction

This week, I focused on learning and practicing computer-aided design (CAD) using Inkscape, a widely used software in our FabLab. My goal was to become familiar with the tools and functionalities of Inkscape while working on different design tasks, including creating shapes, designing a drone logo, and removing backgrounds from images.

1. Getting Started with Inkscape

To familiarize myself with Inkscape, I began by drawing basic geometric shapes such as circles, rectangles, triangles, and polygons. This initial practice helped me understand how to manipulate objects and explore the software’s interface.

Polygon-Based Shape Creation

I explored adjusting the number of sides and manipulating the nodes.

Once I felt comfortable with basic shapes, I started designing a drone logo using these geometric elements. I encountered a challenge while trying to create a non-equilateral triangle, as Inkscape primarily offers regular shapes. To overcome this:

  • I first drew a rectangle.

  • Then, I removed one of its corners.

  • This allowed me to freely manipulate the remaining corners, effectively shaping an asymmetric triangle.

I successfully assembled the elements into a drone logo.

drone logo

Removing Backgrounds from Logos

Curious about how to remove backgrounds from images, I watched a YouTube tutorial to learn the process. I applied this knowledge by removing the background from the FabLab logo.

Steps to Remove Background Using Inkscape:

  1. Using the B-Spline Tool: I traced the boundaries of the logo to create a precise selection.

  1. Applying a Clipping Path:

  2. Selected the boundary path.

  3. Clicked on the menu bar: Object → Clip → Set Clip.

  1. Final Output: The logo was successfully extracted without its background.

2.Creating a Poster Using GIMP

In addition to Inkscape, I experimented with GIMP to design a poster. I followed a YouTube tutorial but made several modifications to personalize the design.

Steps to Create the Poster

  1. Blurring the Background: I applied a blur effect to create a soft, visually appealing background.

  1. Adding Circles: I merge multiple circles to form the base of the design.

  1. Enhancing with Brush Effects:

  2. Used the brush tool to draw random shapes and lines around the circles.

  • Applied Gaussian blur to these lines, transforming them into sparkles for a glowing effect.

  1. Adding Text and Image:

  2. Included a text element for the poster’s message.

  • Inserted an AI-generated drone photo.

Wow, isn’t this nice!

3. Blender for 3D Modeling and Animation

This week, I also started learning Blender, a powerful 3D modeling software. I familiarized myself with the interface, learning how to add objects and the differences between Edit Mode and Object Mode:

Edit Mode: Allows manipulation of a shape’s edges and faces.

Object Mode: Only allows transformations such as moving, rotating, and scaling but does not modify individual edges or faces.

Creating a Chain Using Torus Shapes

I attempted to create a chain by using the torus shape. My goal was to make the chain links slightly oval, but I encountered an issue while selecting and extruding a face:

I selected the top face of the torus.

When I applied extrude, it resulted in an unexpected, abnormal shape.

To fix this issue:

I selected all the meshes for the upper half of the torus before extruding.

Initially, I failed to extrude along the Z-axis, but after holding the cursor while extruding, I was able to align it perfectly.

Animating the Chain

After successfully creating a single link, I duplicated it multiple times to form a complete chain.

To make it a movable chain, I:

Went to the Physics Properties panel.

Set all the chain objects as Meshes.

Pressed the Space key to start the animation.

Animated GIF

Though the animation is quite small, it was an exciting first step in learning physics-based motion in Blender.

4. Fusion 360 for 3D Modeling and Simulation

I used Fusion 360 for both 3D modeling and simulation. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

4.1. 3D Modeling Process:

  1. I began by drawing a rectangle in the workspace.
  2. I then used the Extrude Tool to convert the 2D shape into a 3D object.
  3. After that, I designed an additional model to create an L-shaped hanger.

4.2. Simulation Setup:

I transitioned to the Simulation Workspace to simulate the forces applied to the model. I initiated a Static Study, which helps to analyze how the model responds to structural loads and constraints. This study displays results such as displacement, stresses, safety factors, reactions, and common failure criteria under the assumption of small displacement and linear stress response.

4.3. Material Assignment:

I ensured the material used was Steel for the simulation.

4.4. Defining Loads and Constraints:

  • I applied a load to the model and selected the faces that would receive the force.
  • I then defined the direction and magnitude of the applied force.

  • For stability, I fixed one side of the model to prevent movement during the simulation.

4.5. Mesh Conversion:

To prepare the model for analysis, I converted the object into a Mesh. Mesh is a collection of polygon faces composed of vertices and edges that form a mathematical model of the object, essential for accurate simulation. It’s important to note that a mesh has no thickness.

4.6. Pre-Check and Validation:

  • I performed a Pre-Check to ensure all necessary information was provided and all analysis settings were correctly applied. This step ensures that no critical data is missing and that the simulation can run successfully.
  • Though the pre-check is optional, it’s a best practice to ensure that everything is set up properly before proceeding.

4.7. Running the Simulation:

  • After completing the setup and validation, I ran the simulation to solve the model.
  • The results provided insights into the safety factor, stress distribution, displacement, and other key parameters essential for the structural integrity of the design.

image and video compression

in this link i described earlier how i compressing the images using ImageMagick Week1 Assignment

I used an online video compressor FreeConvert